MORGAN HILL, CA — Lorraine Kirmil passed away peacefully in Prunedale, California on February 22, 2021. She was born on May 29, 1926 in Lunenburg, Massachusetts to Victor and Alice Moisan, who were French-Canadian textile workers. An active Catholic who personified kindness and always seemed to be cheerful and smiling, Lorraine lived a bi-coastal life, was adored by her family, and will forever remain with us, especially any time we visit her beloved Lake Monomonac.
As a child, Lorraine attended St. Cecilia’s School in Leominster and St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. She went on to attend Steven’s Business College, where she learned typing and shorthand, and became the most educated person in her family. A striking beauty who was sweet to her core, it was only fitting that she met her husband, Bill Kirmil, while working in the candy kitchen of Brockleman’s Market. Lorraine and Bill married in June 1948, had their two girls, Kathy and Nancy, in Manchester, New Hampshire, and then had their two boys, Bill and Rick, in Leominster. The family moved to Lebanon, New Hampshire in 1964.
Lorraine was an active and loving mother. She had a natural green thumb and always maintained beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens. She also taught CCD, and eventually became a Eucharistic Minister. Lorraine decided to go back to work as her children got older, and she landed a job as the Secretary of the Guidance Department at Lebanon High School. True to form, Lorraine lent a caring and sympathetic ear to all those who needed it, and was universally loved by students and staff.
In 1986, Lorraine and Bill took up residence full-time at their treasured weekend cottage on Lake Monomonac . These were happy years and included swims to Blueberry Island, long boat rides with friends, fishing, and splashing around with the kids and grandkids. Lorraine also enjoyed dips in the hot tub, golf, blueberries, banana bread, snowy winters, homemade chicken soup, ducks, paddleboats, and of course, a little wine.
A decade later, Lorraine and Bill moved west to be closer to their four children. They settled in Morgan Hill, California. Family time abounded, as did the grandchildren’s soccer games at the nearby complex, and the trips to Lake San Antonio. After Bill passed away in 1997, Lorraine stayed active in St. Catherine’s church, continued to play golf, traveled to luxurious and exotic places, volunteered at St. Louise Hospital, and, as always, played cards with family and friends, especially those at the Morgan Hill Senior Center.
Lorraine was warm and generous. She was the matriarch of the tribe, relished family gatherings, doted on her grandchildren, and was always willing to try new things. Lorraine made all of us feel loved, and we are immensely proud to be members of her family. We are forever grateful to have known her. May her kind and joyful spirit live on in all of us.
Lorraine is predeceased by her husband, Bill; her mother and father; her sisters, Irene Caron and Mary Cormier; her brother, Eddie Moisan; and her son-in-law, Larry Gray. She is survived by her children, Kathy Kirmil-Gray, Nancy Tebo (and Michael), Bill Kirmil (and Tammie), and Rick Kirmil (and Fenny). She also leaves ten grandchildren: Matt McKay, Kelly Gray, Casey Gray, Tom McKay, Jason Kirmil, Cody Gray, Derek Kirmil, Katie Lynch Silviera, Corrine Kirmil Lefler, and Lauren Kirmil. In addition, she has ten great-grandchildren: Cooper, Miller, and Porter Gray; Ava and Maya McKay; Nicholas Lefler; Maverick Kirmil; Isabel Gray; Indy Gray; and Riley Silviera. For more information, email kkg@aol.com.