Click here to view livestream of Lorraine's Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 12:30 pm.
Lorraine J. Steidler, 91, of Downingtown, passed away at her home on April 28, 2021. Lorraine was born on June 5, 1929 to the late George F. Cain and Catherine Dailey Cain Kilpatrick and was raised in Downingtown, graduating from Downingtown High School in 1947. Lorraine worked for the Borough of Downingtown for many years, and later for Chester County Medical until 2019 as an insurance biller. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Downingtown.
Lorraine is survived by her children, Carol A Valocchi of Chesterbrook; Patricia Howie and her husband Brent of Clearwater Beach, Florida; Jeffrey Steidler (Kelly) of East Fallowfield; brother, Pete Cain of Coatesville; twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Austin Kilpatrick; a sister, Rose V. “Mickey” McFalls; a son, Frank A. Steidler III; a daughter, Sharon L. Steidler; and a grandson, Cole S. Steidler.
Lorraine lived in her beloved house in Downingtown for over 60 years, where she raised her five children and spoiled grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Lorraine loved when new babies entered the family and she was known as the ‘baby whisperer’ rocking them all to sleep with ease. She was kind, peaceful and calm and everyone felt at ease with her. She cooked hundreds of Sunday dinners, packing everyone in the small dining room to talk and laugh. She watched hundreds of dance performances, football, baseball, and basketball games her children participated in. She packed thousands of lunches (always with a folded napkin inside), ironed mountains of clothing and never missed a day of work. That was the work ethic that she passed on to her children- you dust yourself off and keep going.
Before the passing of her best friend and sister Mickey, the two were often seen walking everywhere in Downingtown together. They would walk to the bank, church, or just to the downtown area to have a dinner together. They often took bus rides to Atlantic City to see a show or visit a casino. Lorraine loved simple things and kept life uncomplicated. She spent many evenings on neighborhood porches, talking with everyone until dark.
Lorraine also loved her job at Chester County Medical and all her co-workers that were also friends. It gave her joy and purpose to work with them every day. She defied conventional logic by continuing to work there until nearly her 90th birthday, but that was just a testament to her love of the job and her work family. Her late daughter Sharon worked there with her, and they dressed up every Halloween in themed costumes and in green attire for St. Patrick’s Day. She enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies, loved a good round of Wheel of Fortune, and devoutly prayed her nightly rosaries.
Lorraine was a true matriarch, spending her life doing everything necessary to care for her children. She sacrificed and worked to send them to parochial school and to provide a home for her family. She took everything in stride always with faith and a quiet dignity. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally, and her children were lucky to have her as their mother. Her only wish for herself was that she would live out her years in her own home. She was truly grateful for everyone who played a part in making that happen; as Lorraine got her only wish, never leaving the home she loved so much.
A visitation will take place from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm on Friday, May 7, 2021 at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown, where her Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:30 pm. For those unable to attend, a livestream of her mass will available to view from the link provided above this obituary.
Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.
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