Lorraine Brower Richardson

Lorraine (Nonnie) Brower Richardson passed away surrounded by family at home in Fredericksburg, VA on July 8, 2022 of uterine cancer. Lorraine was born December 26, 1953 in Passaic, NJ to Joseph and Rita (McGahey) Brower. Raised in Wood-Ridge, NJ, Lorraine graduated from Queen of Peace High School in 1971 and went on to attend Trenton State College earning her B.S. in Education in 1975. Lorraine moved to VA to begin her teaching career as a 6th grade teacher at Bowling Green Elementary. Despite being a city girl, moving to the country was a good decision because she was introduced by mutual friends to Kirk. They married on August 5, 1978. An educator in many aspects of life, Lorraine continued her teaching career in Stafford County and retired in 2016.

Diagnosed with Crohn’s in 1981, she battled many hospitalizations and health crises, remaining courageous and fighting the disease with Kirk at her side. She felt blessed that she was still able to start a family in 1984 with Lisa and again in 1989 with Mark. Despite the disease tribulations, she remained hopeful, enjoying life to the fullest. Some of her favorite things to do were vacations with family and friends exploring new destinations, going on walks, nature/flowers, eating good Italian food, playing card games, reading, and spending time with grandkids. 

Some of our favorite memories of Lorraine will always include her engaging presence with us. We will always appreciate “Nonnie”  getting down on the floor to be at eye level with the grandchildren to read books, play, and talk with them. Everyone knows Lorraine is frugal, and she enjoyed scouring Facebook marketplace for used toys or clothes, even haggling down a $5 item for the grandkids. Lorraine was an intentional mother and grandmother celebrating special events with cards, gifts and phone calls, no matter how near or far her loved ones lived. 

Lorraine is survived by her husband Kirk, daughter Lisa Deresz (Rick), son Mark (Renee), four grandchildren (Elizabeth, Elsie, Rollin, Samuel, and a fifth due in September), and siblings Jay (Judy) & Jill (Tony) as well as numerous cousins, nieces & nephews. We will always cherish Lorraine and her memory as a loving wife, mother, Nonnie, and friend. 

A celebration of Lorraine’s life will be held Saturday, July 23rd at 2 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 825 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Lorraine may be given to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation , Foundation for Women’s Cancer, or Mary Washington Hospice.

Memories, pictures and tributes posted on this website are appreciated. https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/LorraineRichardson/