Our bridge community has lost another of its important members. Lorraine Schweitzer died Sunday. We send condolences to her husband, Stanley, and all of her family and friends.
Those wishing to attend funeral services on Tuesday and shiva for Lorraine can find detailed information here.
Following a beautiful service at Temple Israel for Lorraine, her bridge partner and friend, Larry Oakey, offers this equally beautiful remembrance.
Lorraine Schweitzer
One of my favorite partners, Lorraine Schweitzer, died Sunday, December 28th. More importantly - she was one of my favorite people.
Lorraine was a very good bridge player. Frequently, she would win or place high in local tournaments with one of the partners she liked best: Susie Diamond, husband Stan or myself. Lorraine almost reached her goal of achieving 1000 masterpoints.
Yet, irrespective of how Lorraine succeeded at the bridge table, it was as a person that she truly excelled. Lorraine was the most upbeat person I ever knew. When first diagnosed with cancer five years ago, her positive outlook on life and activity level was unfazed. Lorraine went through chemotherapy, lost her hair and the like; through it all, she inevitably had a smile on her face. Ask Lorraine how she felt? "Terrific!" would always be her reply. After her first battle with cancer, Lorraine knocked it into remission and continued to enjoy life.
About three months ago, the cancer returned. I played with Lorraine for the last time on October 15th. While she looked a bit tired, she was her normal upbeat self, played super and we wrapped up a 68% game. This time around with her illness, however, Lorraine's incredible spirit couldn't win. When she died on Sunday, she left behind a wonderful family and a large group of friends and admirers.
When Lorraine entered a room, I always felt an extra ray of sunshine burst onto the scene. For me, the world will seem a little darker for some time.
Larry Oakey
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