Memorials › Lorraine Virginia "Lorrie" Gembala

Lorraine Virginia "Lorrie" Gembala

22 Apr 1934 – 30 Jun 2012

Birth22 Apr 1934
Death30 Jun 2012
Added byBarb on 05 Jul 2012
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93089128

Bio

Lorraine (Lorrie) Virginia Gembala April 22, 1934 - June 30, 2012 Lorraine passed away on the morning of June 30, 2012, with her loving family by her side, after a full, vibrant life of 78 years. Her kind, giving heart finally failed, although we all know she had so much more to give. A Celebration of Life will be held in Lakeview Park in Nampa, ID on Saturday, July 7 2012 at 11:00am. We welcome all her friends to join us and share your memories. A light lunch will be served following a brief service. Cremation is being handled by the Cremation Society of Idaho. Lorraine was born in Ashton, Nebraska (NE) on April 22, 1934 to John & Agnes Gembala; the youngest of 10 children. Over the years she moved around a bit, spreading her love for life across Nebraska, Colorado and Idaho. She ultimately settled in Nampa in the late 70's. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Blanche, they joined a semi-pro fast-pitch softball team in their early 20's in Rockville, NE. Lorraine hit the longest home run ever recorded in history while on the Rockville Girls' Team in the summer of 1954. She also hit the grand-slam that won the game against the Hazard, NE team that season. Being a sports enthusiast throughout her life, her favorite teams were the Denver Broncos and the Nebraska Corn Huskers; although her favorite cutthroat game was Pinochle (which might explain her cheating techniques in that game...). She was an excellent gardener and freely distributed the yield to her family and friends. She was also an outstanding cook, specializing in her 'slow cooked over the charcoal with the water bottle' ribs. Not to mention the Gembala Apple Strudel and JD's favorite potato dumplings. Not being a mom herself, she always made a point to treat the mothers in her family to a Mothers Day BBQ. Unsure what magic she used, the red baked potatoes were always a favorite and the best tasting potatoes ever. And because she was such a fabulous cook, the rest of us had a hard time living up to her 'expectations'. If it sounds like we had her on a pedestal, we did. Anyone who knew her loved her feistiness and sincerity. Although she faced some challenges in the last year, she faced them with strength and dignity. Still able to get around on her Scooter, she visited neighborhood friends daily. (Watch out for the scooter! Beep beep!) She kept her sense of humor, zest for life and ALWAYS maintained a positive attitude. As we mourn our loss, we know she is free of pain and restriction. We are grateful that she is in Heaven with family and her best friend, Peggy. She is survived by her local family, brother-in-laws, Buster Prater & Ed Baggett; niece, Shelly Prater and family; Kaitlyn, Shelbie, & Alexis; niece, Lorrie Crose and family; husband Jeff, children April and JD & wife Hanna; nephew John Malcom and family; wife Gar, children Sam and Brad & wife Katrina. She is also survived by one brother and numerous other nieces & nephews; preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings. Lorraine had little, but wanted for nothing. Yet, she was the most content person you would have ever met. She will be dearly missed. Published in Idaho Press Tribune on July 5, 2012

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