Lorraine Cossette Orcutt

Lorraine passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers on November 11, at the age of 93. On Veterans Day 2020, her soul rejoined her deceased mother, her father who had served in the U.S. Army during WWI and WWII, and her older brother who had served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. Lorraine was born on March 25, 1927, to Esther and Alphe Young in Sioux City, Iowa, and was named in recognition of her father’s fondness for the French when he was stationed in France during WWI. Her high school years were spent largely with her mother and she graduated from high school in 1945, while both her father and brother were serving in the European theater. She attended college in Iowa and, after graduation, went with a classmate to the "big city" where she worked for a short time as a social worker. However, she was enticed by her parents’ friends to to take a job as a teacher at their ranch outside of Miles City, Montana. While there, she met their son, Jon Bruce Orcutt, whom she married in January of 1953. With her support, he completed his college education and began his career as a civil engineer. Lorraine devoted herself to her family’s well-being, raising three daughters and creating enduring memories of a welcoming home for all that was filled with good food, love, laughter, music and a high tolerance for any number of hobbies or interests of her family. Always gracious, optimistic, flexible and practical, she supported her family through moves to Bozeman, Montana; Parshall, North Dakota; and the Washington cities of Bellingham, Seattle, Chehalis, and Olympia. Throughout all the moves, she taught her daughters that family strength and support are the foundation of our true homes, and that change can be embraced by hearts filled with love and goodwill. In later years when her children were older, she especially enjoyed her time as a member and local president of the League of Women Voters, working on Washington State legislative initiatives and women’s rights issues, including the ERA. An avid reader of the news, she always loved a good political discussion and is fondly remembered by many for her particularly cogent and moral insights to any conversation. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit, her life lesson, and her love continue to live in the hearts of all she touched. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jon Orcutt); daughters, Nancy, Janice and Sharyn; grandchildren, Claire, Victoria, Elliot and Adam, and their families, including great-grandchildren, Jacey, Jagger and Anya; as well other dear family members in both her brother's and husband's families. In honor of her life, we invite you to consider a donation to support the work of the League of Women Voters of Washington State or to an organization of your choice. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.