In Loving Memory of our mom 

Lorraine Lena Chandler

January 1, 1936 – October 4, 2026

90 Beautiful Years!

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Mom began her life on a day meant for celebrating new beginnings.

Yesterday, our family said goodbye to a truly remarkable woman — our beloved Mom, Lorraine Lena Chandler.

Born on New Year’s Day in 1936, Mom began her life on a day meant for celebrating new beginnings. For 90 years, she filled the lives of so many people with friendship, laughter, creativity, adventure, love, and memories that will remain with us long after today.

Mom was blessed with a large and loving circle of family — brothers and sisters, her daughters, her bonus son and daughter and her son-in-law who cared for her every want and need, her grandchildren, and extended family — and so many wonderful friends who became family along the way. She had a gift for connecting with people, and if you were fortunate enough to have Lorraine in your life, chances are you have a “Lorraine story” of your own.

Mom was an incredibly talented artist who had a special love for Tole painting. Her work was beautiful, but perhaps even more beautiful was her willingness to share her gift with others. She taught painting and generously shared her techniques, knowledge, and creativity so others could experience the joy of making something beautiful with their own hands.

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She had a gift for connecting with people, and if you were fortunate enough to have Lorraine in your life, chances are you have a 'Lorraine story' of your own.

Today, pieces of Lorraine’s artwork hang in the homes of family, friends, and former students. Each one has become more than a painting — it is a little piece of her that will continue to live on.

And Mom certainly knew how to enjoy life!

She loved hunting trips and snowmobiling adventures back in the day. She loved riding the roads riding shot gun with her “buddy”, going to Courtney’s Hotdog stand for a bean slaw dog. Spending time with family and friends, and going on treasure-hunting adventures for her latest Marketplace find. And we would be leaving out an important part of Lorraine if we didn’t mention one of her favorite “sports” of all — taking on that one-armed bandit and hoping those flaming sevens would line up!

There was always an adventure to be found.

And then there was Renee.

My sister Renee was so much more than Mom’s daughter. For 54 years, our mom was Renee’s best friend, two peas in a pod. Mom was Renee’s buddy, pal, companion, helper, adventure partner and such an enormous part of her everyday life. The bond they shared was extraordinary. As Lorraine’s older daughter, I know there simply aren’t words big enough to describe the void left when someone who has been woven so closely into your daily life is suddenly gone. My heart especially aches for my sister as she begins learning how to navigate a world without Mom beside her.

During Mom’s final days, she was surrounded by the people who loved her. She heard familiar voices, felt familiar hands holding hers, and knew her family and friends were near. Even her sweet little furry friend, Abby, came to spend time with her and offer her own special kind of comfort.

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Each one has become more than a painting — it is a little piece of her that will continue to live on.

To everyone who visited, called, prayed, sat beside her, offered support, shared memories, or simply held Mom and our family in your heart — thank you. Your kindness and love have meant more to us than we could possibly express.

We share this memorial not only to mourn our mom, but to celebrate Lorraine and the wonderful 90 years she gave this world.

And this is where we need your help.

Please share your Lorraine stories with us. ❤️ Tell us about the funny moments. Share your photographs. Tell us about a hunting trip, a snowmobile adventure, a painting class, a Marketplace treasure hunt, a casino story, something she said that made you laugh, or simply a quiet moment when Lorraine touched your life. Please never think your memory is too small to share. Sometimes the smallest stories become the greatest treasures to a grieving family. We especially hope these memories will become a gift for Renee and for all of us — something we can return to in the days, months and years ahead and be reminded of just how many lives our mom touched.

Today, there is a tremendous void in our world, but there are also 90 years of stories. 90 years of friendships. 90 years of family, paintings and adventures. Road trips and treasures, laughter and mischief. Most importantly, 90 years of love. Those are things death can never take from us.

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There was always an adventure to be found.

So please help us fill this page with Love for Lorraine. Share your stories. Share your photographs. Share the Lorraine you knew and loved. May all of those memories surround our family with love as we say goodbye to a beautiful woman whose presence in this world will be missed more than words could ever say.

Rest peacefully, Mom, you were deeply loved. You will be deeply missed and you will never, ever be forgotten. ❤️

With love,

B-Jane, Lorraine’s daughter, on behalf of our family

PS For those who may be wondering about services, Mom was very adamant about her wishes. She wanted no funeral, no viewing, no celebration of life, and no formal services. We will honor those wishes.

But Mom did tell us how she wanted to be remembered: “Go to Longhorn’s, have a meal, and share your stories about me.” So, in true Lorraine fashion, if you want to honor her, grab someone you love, go to Longhorn’s, enjoy a good meal, and share your favorite Lorraine stories. Laugh, remember, and raise a glass to her. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate Mom than with good food, people you love, and stories that keep her memory alive. ❤️ 

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Sometimes the smallest stories become the greatest treasures to a grieving family.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and codolences may be shared at www.dsfuneral.com