Lorraine York, age 95, Passed away February 19, 2018 in Lecanto, Florida.  Lying in State, Monday, April 2, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Church, 7211 W. Talcott, Chicago from 10 a.m. until time of Mass, 11 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, IL.  For information 773-774-3232 or www.kolbusmayfh.com

This is difficult for me to write, but it's the story of my mom that needs to be told. These are stories that I've heard over and over; I'm glad she told them and I'm glad I sometimes listened.

Mom grew up during a very difficult financial time in our country. Mom valued education and learning, but she chose to join the workforce to help the family. She was always the responsible oldest child. She met my dad, Allerton Clark, while working at Zenith. They were married in November 1942. My dad was honor bound to enlist and was killed in Holland while serving as medic with the 101 ^st Airborne. My mom was married at age 20, a mother at 21, and widowed at 22. At age 26, my dad was the first to die in the Clark, Cameron and Walsh families; at 95, mom was the last.

My mom bought a house near here using my dad's insurance money; that was unheard of in 1950. She had to use grandpa's name to obtain the loan. My grandparents lived there with us and helped raise me.

My mom found her career choice in banking at St. Paul Federal Savings and Loan here in Chicago. Her work ethic and love of math got her promoted to a branch manager in Downers Grove before she retired. Not many women made it to that status, she was a smart, hard-working woman.

Mom married Frank York in this church on April 4, 1970. He was good to her, and good for her.  He made sure she kept a good balance between work and fun. They traveled, went dancing on the weekend, and he even helped take care of my elderly grandparents.

After Mom retired, she and Frank moved to North Idaho. She loved the tree covered mountains, the fresh air, and the birds singing in the trees. And she finally had time for gardening. Frank passed away in 1996, and mom continued the bond with his two daughters, Pat and Marie. Their children still lovingly call her grandma.

Mom had two brothers, Martin and Richard. Rich was the youngest, he's only six years older than I am.  Some people would presume he was her son, and she would proudly correct them, "That's my little brother."  Mom went to school the day after Rich was born. She didn't respond as well as usual.  The nun embarrassed her by saying she usually knew those answers.  A friend told the teacher that she had a baby brother the night before. The next day, the teacher made it right and apologized to her in front of the class.

When mom was in better health, she would talk to Martin weekly.  She would ask advice, they would share childhood stories, and fill in each other's memory gaps.  And it's official, Martin was better at remembering Polish vocabulary. Martin's family had the tradition of meeting monthly to celebrate birthdays, where only humorous cards were allowed.  Mom didn't follow that request.  I'm his sister, I'm old, so I can send a mushy card if I want.

My husband, Bob, and I moved to Florida in 2008 and brought Mom with us because I didn't feel she should live alone. Bob was always there for both of us during her good health and injuries at the end of her life. His love and support kept me grounded.

Mom was a wonderful grandma to my two daughters, Monika and Kris, but it was the great-grandchildren that made her smile in her later years.  Mom would tell Isis how proud she was of her hard work and honor roll achievements.  She would call her, "A Smart Cookie."  Beckham's warm, loving smile made her smile, and he never refused a smile when she asked for one.  Mom told Taryn that she looks like me when I was younger. Taryn would look curiously at her, not sure what it meant and if it was a compliment.

Mom loved the art projects and drawings from my three grandchildren; it made her feel very special.  She would proudly share them with anyone who would take the time to look.  Mom's greatest compliment was to say, "You're a smart cookie."  She encouraged Monika, Kris, and my grandkids with these kind and supportive words.  Well mom, you were the ORIGINAL smart cookie, and I'm so proud of what you have accomplished.  You had some difficult struggles and you stayed strong.  You were always the responsible daughter, and you excelled in the business world by working hard.  Most importantly, you always relied on your faith in God to survive life's struggles.

I love you,

Diane