Lorraine Heppell July 22, 1930 – September 5, 2025

Lorraine Heppell Born July 22, 1930.    Died September 5, 2025

Lorraine Hedwig Zakrzewski was born July 22, 1930  to parents Joseph and Ida Zakrzewski in Chester, Pennsylvania. She was the second of three girls, growing up with older sister Charlotte and younger sister Theresa.

The Zakrzewski’s were a Polish Catholic working class family. They attended St Hedwig’s Church, and Lorraine graduated from Notre Dame High School in Moylan, Pennsylvania.

She joined the Navy WAVES in 1951 and was stationed at US Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. There, she met her husband, Carl Heppell, who was also in the Navy. They wed in April 1952 and were married for over 73 years. Following Carl’s service in the Navy, they settled in Sacramento, California where they raised four children: Gail, Marilyn,David, and Steven.     Lorraine was a homemaker while the children were young, then joined the workforce as a keypunch operator at the California DMV, where she worked for over 30 years eventually becoming a supervisor before retiring.

After retiring, Lorraine and Carl were able to travel with her sister, Terry, to many places around the world, including extensive trips to various countries in Europe, including Poland where she had the opportunity to meet and visit relatives. They also traveled to Australia and to New Zealand and traveled extensively in the US.

Family was a priority to Lorraine. She was a loving and supportive mother who championed her children’s education, and all four children graduated college. She was a doting grandmother and great-grandmother who made sure each of her nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren felt special.    Lorraine loved family gatherings, such as birthdays and holidays. The birthday cakes she made were delicious, created with love.  The 4^th of July was a particular favorite, culminating in a seemingly never-ending and colorful firework display.

Lorraine also enjoyed reading and bowling. She was in a bowling league for many years, and one time rolled an 800+ point three-game score.

Lorraine was very active in her St. Rose Church.   As a board member of the Altar Society, she handled the finances for that organization, which raised thousands of dollars annually for St. Rose over the many years she was involved. She also dedicated countless hours working at the St Rose Thrift Store which served the needs of the community. She was generous to her church, her family and friends. She strove to be fair in her treatment of everyone.

She also prayed daily, doing countless rosaries for family and friends. One could always rely on Lorraine praying for them whenever a need arose.     Her faith was a model for her family.

We thank God for the blessing of Lorraine in our lives.