Obituary of Lorraine Wilson

Lorraine Wilhemina Wilson was born on May 12, 1953 in Vineland, NJ. She was the beloved daughter of Hermine and John Cable. Hermine was a homemaker whose parents migrated to New York from St. John’s, Antigua in the 1920s, and John was a policeman in St. Kitts who arrived in the 50s. The second of three girls, her eldest sister Jacqueline Cable lives in Manhattan, NY and her youngest sister Beverly Cable lives in Teaneck, NJ. Lorraine grew up on her grandmother’s estate, Red Oaks in Richland, NJ. While there, her mother and grandmother had a transformative experience that inspired them to return to their Catholic faith. Today, Red Oaks houses the St. Augustine Seminary. In 1957, they moved to Atlantic City, where Lorraine fondly remembered learning “everything” from her big sister Jackie, who called Lorraine “her very best student;” and playing with cousins Winston, Deborah and Kenny. She loved the beach and boardwalk and having bake sales in the front of their grandmother’s hardware store. Lorraine was involved in Girl Scouts, dance lessons, and was an early reader and gifted artist. Indeed, one of her mother’s favorite stories was how in Kindergarten, Lorraine drew a portrait of Christ that was so realistic, her teacher Ms. Williams had it cast into a sculpture! In 1965, the family moved to Teaneck, NJ where she attended middle and high school. She was a role model and protector to her little sister, Beverly, who often tagged along with her. Beverly remembers Lorraine as being “exceptionally beautiful, down-to-earth and quiet -- but don’t let that fool you. You didn’t want to get on her bad side.” Though reserved, Lorraine loved to debate, had strong convictions, and was active in the student Civil Rights protests of the time. She was also very loyal and made lifelong friends Edwina, Levern, Charlene, and others during these years. While at Teaneck High her favorite subjects were English and Art. She graduated in 1971 and briefly attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in NY. One Saturday night in 1970, she met Dennis Wilson while accompanying a girlfriend to visit his brother Leonard at his mother’s home. Dennis noticed her on his way out, and they kept in touch. Years later, Lorraine told him she noticed him years before when he ran track for the rival high school in Englewood. They dated for two years, got married at Englewood Church of God in Christ in the Spring of 1972 and would remain together for 49 years. Lorraine loved to go dancing with Dennis and music, especially The Beatles, “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson, James Taylor, and the Pointer Sisters. She also loved taking car rides and talking, and for Dennis to sing to her. They had fun bowling, going to Atlantic City, spending time with Dennis’ twin Denisa and her late husband James, and beautifying their home. Mostly they just enjoyed each other’s company and were thankful for how good God had been to both of them. They shared a strong faith despite their different religions, and always emphasized to their children how important it was to have a personal relationship with God. They raised two children, son Trevor and daughter Jaime, and many beloved pets. Lorraine’s family was her proudest accomplishment. She was an affectionate, patient and devoted mom, with a laid-back sense of humor and practical advice. She was also a loving confidante, often reminding her children, goddaughter/niece Chanel and granddaughter Kelsi that they could tell her anything. She selflessly supported her children’s education and extracurriculars, nurturing their interests through college and beyond. She was also a welcoming and loving mother-in-law. After living in Bergenfield, NJ for 14 years, Lorraine and Dennis bought a house in Vineland in 1986. She made dear friendships there as well, including her girlfriend Shirley and many work colleagues. Her home was warm and inviting and she was like a second mom to her children’s friends. She was a great cook and loved bargain shopping, British mysteries, and football, but her favorite place was the local library. She would come home with stacks of books every week and always had a story to share. She passed her love of reading all the way down to her grandkids Kennedy and Atticus and great-grands Mya, Karson and Kori, who brought her so much joy. She would say, though, that the most important thing she could pass on was her trust in God, which carried her through life’s ups and downs. She was a member of St. Francis / Divine Mercy Parish for over 30 years. Professionally, Lorraine completed her Associates Degree in Business at Iona University in 1985, and certificates in Health Administration and Industrial Design. Her intelligence and calm demeanor were valuable career assets, and she spent 13 years in insurance at Prudential / United Healthcare, and ten years as a Retention Specialist at Comcast. She and Dennis also ran a family business, D&L Auto Protection, for 20 years and Yard Art Landscaping. She retired in 2018. She and Dennis were looking forward to relocating to San Antonio, Texas for their retirement, but she was diagnosed with a rare cancer in the summer of 2020. After bravely facing treatments in the last months of her life, she passed away peacefully at home on November 24, 2020 as her family held her hands in prayer and expressed their love. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Wilson; children, Trevor Wilson and wife Niki, and Jaime (Wilson) Franklin and husband Timothy; grandchildren Kelsi Martinez and husband Michael, and Kennedy and Atticus Franklin; great-grandchildren Mya, Karson, Kori; aunt Thelma George, sisters Jacqueline and Beverly Cable, niece Chanel Jones and many beloved cousins, sisters and brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Submitted in love and admiration of a life well-lived, The Family INSTRUCTIONS TO VIEW FUNERAL ONLINE For those unable to attend in person, feel free to attend via Zoom. Mass starts at 1:30pm. https://zoom.us/j/5229904984 Meeting ID: 522 990 4984 Or listen to the service by phone. Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (NY) +1 669 900 6833 US (CA) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 522 990 4984 For obituary, guestbook and condolences, visit www.dlfuneral.com To leave a video message with a memory about Lorraine, see https://www.tribute.co/lorraine-wilson/ Thank you for your prayers, love and incredible acts of kindness during this difficult time.