Lorraine Druyff

Lorraine Druyff, age 59, passed away peacefully at home following a brave battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jennifer (Brian), grandchildren Cooper and Grace, mother Edna, sister to Eileen (Don), Patricia, Mary, and Mike (Chris) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her father Leo. Lorraine was born and raised in Denver, Colorado to a large Irish-Catholic family. The family has many happy memories of spending time in the Colorado Mountains fishing and camping. Lorraine graduated from South High School with big dreams for the future. Lorraine was an accomplished cook and seamstress, which she learned while in 4-H. As a young girl, Lorraine enjoyed the outdoors and swimming. Her dreams carried her to sunny California where her career as a geologist began with her education at Cal State Long Beach. This was also the start of a long time love of the ocean and marine wildlife. Lorraine worked and supported herself through college. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Geology, she returned to Denver and worked as a Petroleum Geologist for thirty years. Lorraine was an accomplished geologist and always in demand for her innovative skills as a petrographer and petrologist. She contributed to numerous professional papers and taught an industry course regarding petrophysical properties of cores and cuttings. The family fondly remembers Lorraine's love of life and all things Irish. She loved to entertain and cook at home for family and friends. Thanksgiving was a special time, as Lorraine was always hosting the family feast, often cooking for thirty or more people that would come to the house looking for good food and laughter. No year was complete without a trip to the beach with friends or family in tow. Some of Lorraine's favorite locations included Hawaii where she and Jim honeymooned. The family returned to Hawaii in February of 2008 to celebrate Jim and Lorraine's 25th wedding anniversary. Other beach vacations include Cozumel, Belize, and Bermuda where Jim and Lorraine traveled many times showing off the beautiful coral reefs to friends and family. It was in Mexico where Lorraine showed her adventurous spirit and took up scuba diving and was an avid snorkeler as well. Lorraine also traveled to Ireland to visit extended family. Her work also allowed her to travel to many places in the United States and to Romania and Switzerland. Her hobbies included stained glass, gardening, reading, and numerous other artistic crafts. There will be a memorial service at Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 S. Monaco Blvd. Denver, CO, Monday, November 24, 2008. The service will begin at 10:00 with a reception following at the church. Food will be provided. The family recommends that instead of flowers you may contribute to one of Lorraine's charitable causes. Donations can be made to: Denver Dumb Friends League (http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm), American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp) or, Delores Project (http://www.thedeloresproject.org/) God's speed Lorraine.