Obituaries/Viewings
Lorraine W. McMackin | 97
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Lorraine Wagner McMackin, of 640 Vine Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 7, 2023, surrounded by her family at the age of 97, just shy of her 98th birthday.
Lorraine was born here in St. Mary’s on December 23, 1925. Her parents were the late George and Marcella Hanes Wagner. Lorraine spent her early years with her nine siblings in a home full of humor and love. Lorraine was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1943. Lorraine also was a member of the Hi-Jinx Club in high school. These girls remained lifelong friends and met for monthly luncheons in their golden years. After high school Lorraine went to work at Sylvania, where she eventually met Michael “Mickey” McMackin (a moment she described as “like magic.”) They wed on June 5, 1948.
Lorraine had seven children, who all had her sense of humor and booming laugh. Her children grew up in St. Marys but would ultimately live all around the country with their own children and grandchildren, giving Lorraine and Mickey 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Lorraine and Mickey spent their middle years visiting family, seeing much of the country, including Arizona, California, Louisiana, and Florida. They also visited family closer to home in Pittsburgh, Red Lion, and Titusville, Pennsylvania. Despite seeing much of the United States, both agreed that there was no finer place on earth than St. Marys. Mickey passed on July 21, 1991, but Lorraine continued traveling for weddings, visits, graduations, births, and birthdays. Luckily, in a family of this size, Lorraine was never alone. Furthermore, Lorraine hated to miss a party and was often among the last to leave at these events!
Lorraine carried the joy and love from her childhood into her own ever-growing family, currently over 40. Despite the many people and her busy social calendar, Lorraine remembered every birthday, anniversary, and important date until she passed. We will all miss her heartfelt birthday wishes, which were occasionally written on eccentric stationery (depending on whether she had time to get to Rite Aid).
She blessed her family with a huge support system and a sense of humor. We learned from her that nothing is more important than family and the love we all share for each other.
Lorraine is survived by many people in her large family, including her children and in-laws: Marcia and Dave DePrator; Maureen and Charles Skillington; Michael McMackin and Marcie Palmer; Terry and Joni McMackin; Mary Kay and Jack Earles; Douglas and Fawn McMackin; Peter (possibly the former favorite) and Kelly McMackin. Lorraine also has 13 grandchildren: Heather, Laura, Alison, Kelly, Tiernan, Jonathan, Rebecca, Michael, Shaylea, Kristin, Carley, Mackenzie, and Cameron (possibly the current favorite). Lorraine currently has 8 great-grandchildren, Micah, Huxley, River, Zinnia, Charlie, Wyatt, James, and Evelyn (all equally the favorite).
Lorraine is also survived by her siblings: Betty DiCello of St. Marys, Nancy Kronenwetter of Natrona Heights, and George “Butch” Wagner and his wife, Ann of St. Marys.
In addition to her husband and parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by four sisters: Mary Jane Kelly, Shirley Neidwecki, Barbara Gradl,and Lucille Samick; and two brothers: William Wagner and Charles “Bud” Wagner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 11:00AM with the Rev. Paul Siebert, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Christian Food Bank, PO Box 1033, St. Marys, PA 15857; Queen of the World Parish, 134 Queens Rd, St. Marys, PA 15857; or to the Elk Haven Activities Fund, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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Pete & Doug, With much sadness we learned of the passing of Lorraine. We enjoyed her and Mickey from our days in the QB club, and continued with Lorraine thru the years. She was a wonderful lady whom we respected greatly. Our sympathy to the entire family.
Mrs McMackin was one of a kind. I have fond memories of her from times I’d be at the Lanzel house, which of course meant the McMackin house too…I love how you referenced her laugh in the obituary. 🙂 The photo of her is beautiful! My condolences to the family, especially Mary Kay, Doug and Pete — the three I knew the best. Michele Gralak (aka Shelly from the valley)
Mike and family. We are saddened to hear of your mom”s passing. There are two ways we live on,
our memories and our families. What a full life she enjoyed. Thoughts and prayers to you all
Pete,
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family 💗
Maureen and family. I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a customer of mine when I owned my beauty salon. She was such a delight and we had many interesting and humorous conversations. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
I am sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I will always think fondly of her and all the fun we had growing up in the neighborhood. While we have gone in different directions I am always excited to run into any of you and catch up.
My prayers for everyone.