Lorraine (Lorrie) Stephanie Grimes Lowe's Obituary
Heaven has gained a beautiful woman, Lorraine (Lorrie) Stephanie Grimes Lowe on June 14th, 2025. My mother has always had a strong love for Jesus, and I was fortunate to be able to study God’s Word with her in our years of living near each other in Cary, NC. I know there is tremendous joy for her now, being reunited with her husband, David Frederick Lowe, and all her other friends and family who have gone before her. Gratefully, she was able to have the daily care of her daughter Kristen, and son-in-law, Dan Brainard, in their home in Kent, Ohio, and she was surrounded by them and her daughter Lori and son-in-law Jack Cargain at her passing. Lorrie’s spirit, and her presence, was felt very strongly by them throughout their four final days with her, and it was perceived to be an amazing, God given gift for them! Lorrie leaves behind, three children: Lori, Steve, and Kristen, as well as eight grandchildren and two soon to be great grandchildren! Details of all immediate family member names can be found in her husband’s obituary. His obituary contains the other half of their love story together! Visit David's Tribute
Lorrie was always a highly motivated, hard working individual who pursued every activity she was involved in with gusto! She was a straight A student, participated in many clubs and organizations, held offices, and was a leader throughout her years in academia. She graduated from Bethel High School and spent her first two years of college at Wooster, where she was a cheerleader and editor of the college yearbook. She then transferred to Ohio State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. She later added a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Kent State University. She worked in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes and was devoted to her career and helping others. This was felt by the people whose lives were touched by her work. It was also felt by the coworkers she blessed with her devotion to them personally, as well as their mutual desire to advance the field of Occupational Therapy. Many of her coworkers became lifelong friends! Lorrie gave numerous lectures and presentations throughout her career, and a book could probably be written about all of her accomplishments!
To go back to her beginnings though, my mother was named Lorraine after the town in France where her great grandmother’s family hailed from on her father’s side. Her middle name, Stephanie, was given for the last name of her grandparents (Stephany) on her mother’s side. My mom, and her brother Gary, were raised Presbyterian due to their strong Scotch-Irish heritage on her father’s side. In her youth, she developed very close and special relationships with all her cousins and extended family, many of whom still live in the Claysville, Pennsylvania area. She also never forgot the strength and love of her grandmother, Anna Stephany, who immigrated from Hungary and had lost her husband young, as well as five of her eight children in their youth. Family is shaped by family values and experiences, and my mother’s family created a very strong devotion inside of her for being there for her own family.
While family was of immense importance, Lorrie’s friends were an additional highlight of her life. They were like family to her, each one so very treasured! She spent as much time as she could with them and made sure she stayed in touch if their homes were far away. She had high school friends, college friends, newcomers friends, neighborhood and community friends, and friends met while traveling. All were precious! All were a joy to her! Through book clubs, garden clubs, Bible study, community clubs, tennis, golf, camping, scouts, extensive traveling in the U.S. and abroad, Mom found many ways to have fun with both friends and family! She also enjoyed needlework, crafting, home decorating, and antiquing.
Lorrie met the love of her life, Fred, when they were 13 years old and they were married on May 23, 1959, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, where she was a member and had sung in the youth choir. Upon marriage, she then added his parents, brothers, and all the wonderful nieces and nephews that my brother, sister, and I were gifted to have in our lives as well! Family get togethers have been cherished throughout our youth and adult lives! A few years ago, John Handyside, my cousin Nancy’s husband, told me at their daughter Emilee’s wedding, that my parents are “salt of the earth”. Thank you John for sharing what my parents always desired to be during their lifetime here on earth!
Mom and Dad, you were always an inspiration to me and I will love and cherish you both forever.
With love everlasting,
Lori
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