Lorraine Eleanora Geraci

Lorraine Eleanora Geraci, born April 11, 1929, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at age 97. The beloved daughter of Edwin Katke and Stella Seleski; the devoted wife and true love of Francis A. Geraci.

In youth, Lorraine honed her wit and sensibilities during the tough times of The Great Depression and WWII. She looked forward to getaways from suburban life with time spent on her uncle’s farm, where she took an interest in, and learned to care for, animals and plants alike. These interests led to a lifelong love of animal husbandry and gardening, which she merged with her passions for cooking, housekeeping, sewing, and quilting, always with the health, well-being, and beautification of the household in mind, and in the spirit of contribution to family.

On September 3, 1949, Lorraine Eleanora Katke wedded her true love, Francis Anthony Geraci, at St. Priscilla Church, Chicago, Illinois, a marriage that lasted almost 75 years, ‘til death did they part, which blessed them with two precious daughters: Linda Marlene and Randi Patrice. A dedicated mother, Lorraine taught the worth of keeping high moral values and integrity, with patience, love, tough love when necessary, and respect. She ran a tight household she could always look back upon and say: “I raised good girls.”

Lorraine lived for her family. Her favorite past-time was post-meal chats with loved ones at the table, which would most often last long enough to continue in the living room. Though she lost her first grandchild, Heather, much too soon, she did not let that stop her from giving all her love and guidance to those who followed: Bret, Keri, Chase, and Christopher. She delighted in their stories of growth and achievement and always sent a card until age took away her ability to write. The births of her great-grandchildren: Dylan, Olivia, and Graham, gave her a new sense of joy and satisfaction as her countless contributions to family yielded yet another new generation.

Taught frugality by The Great Depression, Lorraine knew the value of a dollar and had a remarkable ability to stretch one. After her wedding, she equipped her kitchen for just $25 ($347.64 as of today). Naturally, she went to work for the bank, eventually retiring with Bank of America, whereby over the course of 35 years, she successfully secured her own financial future with untold positive influence on those of her coworkers and patrons.

Though Lorraine’s time with us has ended, let us rejoice in knowing that she has reunited with her previously departed and very much missed loved ones. Her mother, Stella; her father, Edwin; her sister, Pat; her daughter, Randi; her firstborn granddaughter, Heather; her husband and the one true love of her life, Frank; and the many extended family members, in-laws, neighbors, and friends, whose lives she touched along the way and whose touched hers.

Survived in the immediate by her sister, Marlene; her daughter, Linda; her grandchildren, Bret, Keri, Chase, and Christopher; her great-grandchildren, Dylan, Olivia, and Graham; and further by in-laws;

May her soul rest peacefully. May her memory continue to guide our actions. May we all be at peace knowing she will be with us always, in spirit.