Lorraine E. Borkenhagen, 94, of Ransomville, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 10, 2023 following a brief illness. Born in Massena, NY, she was the daughter of late Lorenzo and Edith (Proux) Garieby. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard D. Borkenhagen, whom she married in April of 1951 at Immaculate Conception Church in Niagara Falls, NY and predeceased her in 1995.
Lorraine’s family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana when she was a young child, where she graduated from high school before relocating back to western New York. Here, she attended Bryant and Stratton College and worked as a secretary at Hooker Chemical Company, retiring after 35 years. After retiring, Lorraine kept herself busy with various senior groups including serving as the president of the Occidental Retirees Group and being very active with the Women’s Auxiliary in Ransomville. In her down time, Lorraine loved playing cards and crossword puzzles, but nothing compared to spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lorraine was a family-oriented woman at heart, and will be remembered by her family as a happy-go-lucky woman full of love. She was known to be a bit headstrong at times, but always acted with compassion in everything she did.
Lorraine is survived by her children Barbara (late David) Ripley, Richard (Patricia) Borkenhagen, Karen (David) Quick, Charlotte (Samuel) Zito, and Charles Borkenhagen; 11 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Jean (late Allen) Morton.
Per Lorraine’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Loraine’s memory to Niagara Hospice. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.
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