Lorraine Cecile Fobair passed away on April 1, 2024. She was born on February 14th, 1933, in Lowell, Massachusetts, the 8th of 9 children born to Bella and Nelson Larmand. Lorraine and her siblings were second-generation French-Canadian descendants. As children, they spoke French at home and attended St. Joseph School. In high school, Lorraine began learning English, but she spent her life cherishing her native tongue, speaking French whenever she had the opportunity.

Lorraine Cecile Fobair

In 1951, 24-year-old James Fobair, on military leave, walked into a small Lowell coffee shop that 18-year-old Lorraine was waitressing in. He knew instantly that she was the one. A couple of nights later, he asked to walk her home and proposed. Lorraine married her beloved husband on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, 1952. Shortly after marriage, they moved to Deshler, Nebraska, where they had four children, James, Patricia, Marie, and David. They were married for almost 62 years.

Lorraine was a full-time homemaker, while James worked for the Rock Island Railroad for 24 years. In 1967, when the Deshler Depot closed, the family moved to Albert Lea, MN.

In 1973 Lorraine and James moved to Clarks Grove, Minnesota, and they started Fobair Furniture. Once again, together, they ventured into uncharted territory and began a journey that made them successful business owners. Lorraine worked long and hard hours, but she thoroughly enjoyed the work. She was loved within her community and by her customers.

After 24 years, Lorraine and James retired from the furniture business. They spent their retirement traveling and building memories with their family. Lorraine cherished her heritage, family, and the memories she built over her lifetime. She loved talking about her family history, hoping that her legacy would continue through the memories she passed down with her storytelling.

Lorraine was a woman of God, and she embodied that in the way she lived each day. If someone needed her, she was there, no questions asked. She lived by the Golden Rule, and she always knew just what to say when you needed to hear it the most. Her wisdom and sage advice have left an impact on the people who have been fortunate enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her husband James N Fobair. Her brother Raymond and Peggy Larmand, sister Lillian Rybicki, Brother Armand and Rita Larmand, sister Gloria and Raymond Lamy

She is survived by her children, James Michael (Marci), Patricia, Marie Maras (Frank), and David (Andres Santos). She was lovingly known as Mémère to her grandchildren, Eric Fobair, Renee’ Alaire Swanson (Andrew), Alarie Cadwallader (Nick), and Sean Cheren (Autumn Lemieux).

Also, her great-grandchildren Isabella Marie Cadwallader, Nova Lorraine Swanson, Raelyn Robin Cadwallader, Godchild Karen Morrissette and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service in Lorraine’s honor will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church; visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. Theodore’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests donations be made to St. Croix Hospice in honor of Lorraine. The hospice team’s compassionate care and unwavering support were exceptional and greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

St. Croix Hospice appreciates your financial donation of any amount. To make a donation by phone or credit card, call the Foundation Office at (800) 828-3627.