Lorraine Margaret Voss

November 18, 1924 to November 20, 2021

Born Lorraine Margaret Hoehn to Daniel and Elsie Hoehn in Brooklyn, NY in 1924, Lorraine completed her earthly journey just 2 days and 97 years after she began it.

She is survived by her son, Daniel Voss and daughter, Sandra Whitney; son-in-law, Charles Whitney and daughter-in-law, Maria Voss; grandchildren, Erin Brenner, Brooke Foret, Catherine Keating, Richard Voss, Jonathan Burke, and Aaryn Burke/Dorsey; and ten great grandchildren, Danielle and Charles Foret, Nate and Mitchell Brenner, Tyler Voss, Josh and Emma Katz, and Maurice Jr., McKai, and Myles Dorsey.

Lorraine was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Frederick Voss, whom she has now rejoined.

Lorraine was a member of the bravest generation our nation has known. She was raised in the Great Depression and knew what it was for her family to have to scrape together the next meal. She went to work right out of high school at 16, and, in so doing, rode the bus and subway to New York City. She experienced World War II as a teenager, and, many years later, in a remarkably poignant journal, she applied the wisdom of age in describing her youthful reflections on the horror and futility of war:

"The night of Pearl Harbor, I lay in bed and wondered how long it would be until I once again closed my eyes in peace time."

"After the shortages came rationing. After that came the casualties. People had flags with blue stars on them in the windows for each family member in the service, when someone was killed, their blue star was exchanged for gold."

"Finally came V-E Day and V-J Day. That night I once again closed my eyes in peace time, but as I did, I said to myself, 'What does God think of us?'"

Indeed.

But World War II brought life as well as death. It brought Lorraine her life's soul mate. When Fred Voss signed up to do his patriotic duty in 1941, he was 7 years Lorraine's senior; she was only 17. They knew each other through a family connection. She wrote to him throughout the conflict and prayed for his safe return. Her prayers were answered, and when her soldier returned in 1945, they knew almost immediately that their future was together.

That future spanned 67 years. Lorraine was a loving and sensitive mother who imparted her values to her son and daughter. We, in turn, have passed them along to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lorraine worked as a library clerk at Mount Pleasant Public Library in Pleasantville, NY, to give her children the college and professional education she never had. When we abandoned the nest, she and Fred worked to secure a blessed 30-year retirement in rural Worcester, NY, where they bought an old farmhouse off West Hill Road—supposedly "haunted"—and restored it to a haven they called "Tranquility."

There, they were graced by God with a 30-year retirement in which they traveled the country and "Dosey-Doed" to countless square dances with the Worcester Whirlers. They were also charter members of the original "West Hill Road Gang"—of which Mom was the last surviving member—and hosted many memorable garage parties at Tranquility. They supported the Worcester High School sports teams just as they had supported the teams of their two children at Westlake High School in Thornwood, NY, where we grew up.

As long-time members of the United Methodist Church in Worcester, Lorraine and Fred edited and published the monthly newsletter for many years. They were also active in the Worcester Rotary and Women's Auxiliary and marched in many parades bearing our nation's colors with a pride borne of World War II. Mom also served as a volunteer in the Worcester Public Library and took writing classes late in life that led to her memorable journal. She was a very gifted writer.

Our family grieves our loss, but we bid our Mom, Grand-Mom, and Great Grand-Mom Godspeed back to the arms of the Lord after 97 years in His service here on earth. Lorraine was a gentle soul who loved all God's creation—people of all creeds and colors, all living things, really. She taught us to stop to save turtles on the road. She told us how precious life is, and as hers now passes on, we are mindful of the legacy she leaves us. We will miss her dearly, but we know her mission here is completed. Ours continues, and we shall discharge it with love and honor.

Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service for Lorraine starting at Noon, Wednesday, December 1, at the United Methodist Church in Worcester, followed immediately by the graveside service at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Worcester.

Contributions in Lorraine's memory may be made to the United Methodist Church, 111 Main St., Worcester, NY 12197; to the Worcester Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 430, Worcester, NY 12197; Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197; or to any other organization that extends a gentle hand to those in need, the way Mom did all her life.

Online condolences by may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com .  Arrangements are with Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, Worcester.