Lorraine Anderson, born October 17, 1925, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2020 at the Ryan House Hospice of the Valley. Lorraine was born in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Emilo and Irene of Montecatini, Italy. She was raised in Chicago, where she and her sister Elsie grew up with Aunt Eva and cousins Loretta with whom she remained close throughout their long lives. Lorraine, Elsie, and Eva all lived to be 95.
Lorraine married her high school sweetheart, Roy Zimmerman, in 1946. They brought two beautiful baby girls into the world settling in Phoenix in 1954 to raise their family. Lorraine was widowed in 1960 and later married the second love of her life, Gareth (Andy) Anderson. They were married for many years, until his death in 2012.
Lorraine grew up in a home filled with music and she learned to play the accordion and the piano. As a talented mezzo soprano, she studied opera and gave many performances before starting her family. She had a beautiful singing voice and was the first woman to sing solos in her church choir in the 1950s and 1960s at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Phoenix.
Lorraine was a good wife, a wonderful homemaker, a great cook and a talented seamstress. Over the years with her husband Andy, Lorraine designed and built homes for their family in Phoenix, Pinetop and Lakeside, Arizona with a total hands on approach.
Lorraine was known for being a dedicated wife and mother, for her love of music and singing, and for her love for her two daughters. She is survived by her daughters, Irene Grubbs (David), and Cynthia Zimmerman (Constance). She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Blanche Clark, and many nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was a godmother, aunt, cousin and friend to all.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Lorraine’s name to Saint Mary’s Food Bank of Arizona https://www.firstfoodbank.org/give/tribute-donation-copy/ or Ryan House Hospice of the Valley. There will be a family-only service at St. Francis Cemetery. A rosary, Mass and celebration of life will be held at a future date.
As you keep Lorraine in your thoughts you may send her one of her favorite prayers:
Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for his creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought,
I implore you to obtain for me.
The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart
will ever be yours. Amen.
Debbie Mcclaskey
Cynthia, We are so sorry for your loss. She must have been a beautiful soul, to have raised such a special loving daughter. God bless you and your family.
Bambi Haggins
Cynthia,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you, Constance and Irene in my prayers and in my heart.
Please take good care,
Bambi
Eve Haynie
Irene and Cynthia, my heartfelt condolences are sent to you at this time. Lorraine was quite the character. I loved hearing her stories about the old days when we were at her home. She was always very sweet to all of us. I will never forget her. Big hugs to all of you
Marge Ray and Diana Latimore
We are thinking of you today and wishing we could be there to hold your hand while you say good bye to your mother. Please remember we are here for you and we love you very much.
Lillian Hameed
My dear friend, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I offer you my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Brad L Michael
Lorraine took me and my newlywed wife under her wings when we moved here in 1984. I worked down the street from her and she was always so nice to me. I also knew Andy from work and we were so happy when they found each other. She was such a kind gentle soul. I was lucky enough to meet her family only once, but I know the deep void her passing must leave. Please know our prayers are with you. Tonight we will celebrate her life with a special dinner using the wine glasses see gave us for our wedding in ‘86. She will be deeply missed.