Lorraine Jane Reither

Lorraine Jane Reither passed away February 17th at the age of 69. Her life and the wonderful spirit she shared with anyone fortunate enough to know her will be remembered with heartfelt joy and veneration. She was blessed both with beauty both inside and out. She had a child like enthusiasm for life, a love for the beauty of nature. She was the 9th child of Ed and Lottie Determan. She was raised on a farm in rural Iowa. She attended Mount St. Clair College and completed a teaching degree and was an elementary school teacher at St. Mary Magdalen on 26th and Sheridan. She came to Denver to teach and met her tall handsome soul mate from Minnesota. Lorraine and Frank were married on June 4th, 1960. She is survived by her husband Frank, Son Steve, (daughter-in-law, Kim), Chris, Rick, and daughter Diane (husband Tim). She has 7 grandchildren. Michelle, Angela, Tonya, Stacey, Michael, Taylor, and Allessandro. She has one great-grandchild, Raegan-Denae. She is also survived by four sisters, Dorothy Goetsch, (husband, Lyle deceased DeWitt, Iowa, Camilla Saravalli, (husband, Don deceased). Mary Jo Droessler, Denver (husband Clair) Janet Driscoll, Thousand Oaks, CA (husband Lee deceased). And brothers Jim Davenport, Iowa (wife Annabeth deceased) Richard, (wife, Mary, Tucson, Arizona) sister-in-law Donna Determan, DeWitt, Iowa. Brothers-in-law, Richard Pray, (Pennsylvania). She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Lottie, mother and father-in-law, Severt and Margret, Sisters Gertrude Pray, Hurson and sister Ella DeNolf, brother Al Determan, brother-in-laws Lee Driscoll, Don Saravalli, sister-in-law Annabeth Determan. She had a love of the outdoors especially the mountains and was happiest when cross country skiing in the mountains. Lorraine viewed all of nature, especially the splendor found in the mountains of Colorado to be special places where the spirit could find solace. She was an avid reader and enjoyed so many hours with her favorite books. She loved politics, a trait her father would have enjoyed because he too was very interested in politics. Her son Steve also enjoys sparing with her, very often on opposing views. Lorraine demonstrated extra ordinary dignity and grace when facing illness, never asking why me, but accepted her lot with courage and a positive attitude. She had a religious faith she called upon to help endure the years of infirmity with grace, optimism and hope. She wanted to live to enjoy her grandchildren. She loved her family so much. She was a wonderful mother always accepting her children as they were and not setting expectations that were unrealistic. Husband Frank whose vigilant care and unfailing devotion can only be described as heaven sent. He was truly her constant caregiver never complaining, always willing to be there for her. Her kids were also a comfort, especially Kim her daughter-in-law and a special recognition for her sister Mary Jo who was also there with emotional and physical support and nursing expertise. A Memorial Mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Parish on Friday, February 23rd at 10:30 AM. The family welcomes all who love Lorraine and want to join us in celebrating her life. Her spirit will live on in her enthusiasm and zest for life and her love for her family.