Lorraine Marjorie (Meek) Spangenberg, age 84 of Escalon, California joined our heavenly Father on June 16, 2015. Safe in his arms now and forever, she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Born December 1, 1930 at Oakland Hospital, Oakland, California to Gerald David and May Sylvia (Crawford) Meek. Lorraine was an only child who graduated from Concordia All Girls High School in Oakland, California. Lorraine worked for the Telephone Company in Berkeley, Quality Control Inspector for Shaklee Corporation in Hayward and was office manager for her husband’s trucking business. Many years ago, you may have seen her working part-time at the Fruit Stand outside of Escalon. Lorraine lived in Oakland for approximately 24 years, moved to Hayward and resided in the same family home for approximately 35 years, raising her family.
She moved to the Central Valley on Skiff Road, just outside of Escalon before moving to Paddack Manor, where she resided for approximately 13 years. Lorraine loved living in Escalon. Lorraine had many passions in life. All things related to nature, animals, gardening, spending time with friends and family. You would often find her listening to accordion music played by the Accordion Club members, which reminded her of her younger years when she played. Lorraine loved to help others and would be there anytime that she was needed, which included driving people to their appointments.
Lorraine enjoyed her exercise classes twice a week and the lunch programs held at the Senior Community Center. Lorraine was very proud to have been a member of the Red Hatters of Escalon. Lorraine also had a strong passion for animals and so loved participating and showing her dogs at dog shows. Over the years many trophies were won with her “pride and joy” Teddy Bear, who earned the status of Grand Champion. Lorraine also served a term as President of the American Kennel Club and held meetings in her home.
As a child, Lorraine was raised Lutheran, however, she chose The Escalon United Methodist Church as her church family home. Lorraine also had a strong relationship with The First Baptist Church of Escalon and you would find her providing rides so people could join her and listen to the evening music played there. Everyone knew her favorite hymn was “In the Garden” and the Pastor would always play it for her.
Lorraine was predeceased by: John Louis Spangenberg, Jr. (son), Ronald Dee Sullivan (son), John Louis Spangenberg, Sr. (husband of 46 years) and James Michael Rownd (grandson). Lorraine is survived by three daughters: Linda Gale (Sullivan) Snow of Dunnellon Florida, Sharon Ann (Spangenberg) Toma of Escalon, and Jacqueline Louise (Spangenberg) Rownd and son-in-law John Rownd of Modesto. She also lovingly left behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, and friends.
Come join us for the Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at The Escalon United Methodist Church located at 2000 Jackson Avenue, Escalon, California, 95320. Reception will immediately follow at the reception hall. Officiating Pastor is Dave Bennett. Interment will be at Chapel of the Chimes Cemetery, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, California, 94544 on July 24, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and/or any Animal Shelter will be greatly appreciated.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
July 8, 2015