I have known her for my entire life and will miss her forever

 It is with a heavy heart this morning that I pass along the news about the passing of our dear "Aunt Lorraine."  Lorraine has been a large, loving and powerful presence in my life for the entirety of my 63 years and I will miss her dearly and deeply forever.  I share this news here because over the years I have referenced her across numerous essays, and probably the widest read story being the one focused on her now famous "Aunt Lorraine's Law"  ( https://fylegacy.blogspot.com/2009/03/aunt-lorraines-law.html) 

Below is the obituary that I drafted yesterday, and that we are posting this week.  Join me in remembering her smile, her generosity, her recipes, and more broadly her legacy. 

 

Lorraine Ann Wark Diamond
January 19, 1933 – February 15, 2025

Lorraine Ann Wark Diamond, 92, of Tom’s River, New Jersey, passed away on February 15, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life. Lorraine was born on January 19, 1933, in New York City to Fred and Kunigunda Wark. She was the beloved sister of Arline Marie (Wark) Levisay and the cherished aunt to Mark, Bill, and Alice Levisay.

Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Lorraine attended PS 104 (The Fort Hamilton School) before graduating from high school in 1954. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. After completing her education, Lorraine began her career at General Foods Corporation before joining the world of advertising at Young & Rubicam (Y&R) where she ran the test kitchens. For over 30 years, she worked at Y&R’s 40th and Madison offices alongside her friends, Audrey Wardly and Barbara Badyna, and her husband, Alfred Diamond.

Lorraine lived for many years in Baldwin, New York, with her parents, Fred and Kunigunda Wark. After their passing, she married Alfred Diamond in 1975, and they enjoyed a loving marriage until Alfred's passing in 1994.

An avid traveler, Lorraine explored many corners of the world, with a special fondness for Zermatt, Switzerland. After retiring from Y&R, she moved to Tom’s River, New Jersey, to be closer to many of her dear friends including Audrey Wardly and Herbie Smarro.

Lorraine was an ever-present and supportive figure in the lives of her niece and nephews after the death of her sister Arline in 1974. Known affectionately as “Aunt Lorraine,” she was a constant source of love, humor, and strength. Her independence, sassiness, generosity, and caring nature left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Lorraine will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her sharp wit, loving spirit, and dedication to family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Lorraine’s memory to Lutheran World Relief.