Our family and community lost a shining presence on Aug. 20 when Lorraine (Montague) Horvath of Madison, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, left our world at the age of 89, while residing at Ocean Meadow Memory Care in Clinton. She was surrounded daily by her loving family and friends during the last weeks of her life.

Lorraine was known by family and friends for being able to brighten a room with her joyful presence, beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, quick wit, and hearty laugh. She kept Hallmark in business as she took great pleasure in purchasing and sending greeting cards to her family and many friends. You could hear her laughing in the store aisles as she picked out just the right card to send.

Since moving to Madison in 1964, Lorraine was an active parishioner of St. Margaret Church and the Women’s Guild. She also enjoyed playing in bridge groups, as well as tennis and bowling leagues. She taught her children’s CCD classes and cheered them on from the sidelines of baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball games. Lorraine was a whiz in the kitchen cooking up delicious dinners every night for her family. She delighted in visiting with family and friends, making and sharing homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations, reading, solving crossword puzzles, shopping at Dollar Tree, watching game shows, and laughing along with her favorite sitcoms.

After graduating from Central High School in Bridgeport, in 1951, Lorraine worked for SNET as an operator. She was then employed at Pullman and Comley law firm in Bridgeport, as a secretary. When first becoming a mom in 1961, she left work to raise her four children until going back to work at Horowitz Department Store in Madison, in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, Lorraine went to work at the Madison Town Campus offices. She worked in the Tax Collector’s Office as a clerk, and in her true style, made each day fun for herself and her colleagues.

Lorraine was born in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1933. She resided in Bridgeport from 1933 to 1964.

Lorraine leaves her beloved husband Gus, whom she married on Aug. 31, 1957. They were just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary. She also leaves her son David Horvath, her daughter-in-law Kathleen, and her grandchildren Daniel, Leah and Michael of Bethel; her daughter Cynthia (Horvath) Daley, her son-in-law Michael and her grandchildren, Kevin and Kate of Clinton; and her daughter Pamela (Horvath) Campbell, her son-in-law Brad and grandson Jack of Suwanee, Georgia. She also leaves several adored nieces, nephews, and friends. Lorraine’s children and grandchildren were the light of her life. The last few months of her life, she spoke often of how proud she was of her family, especially her grandchildren, most notably, how they’ve grown to be such outstanding humans.

Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, John and Rose (Joyce) Montague; daughter Lynn (Horvath) Crowley; five sisters; two brothers; and one niece. She was the youngest in the family and the final “Goo Girl” to enter heaven. No matter what, Lorraine walked out into the world every day with a smile on her face, a spring in her step and a lovely smile and greeting for all who encountered her. She will be sorely missed.

A special “thank you” goes out to the staff at Ocean Meadow Memory Care and Connecticut Hospice. There are no calling hours and Interment will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. A Celebration of Life reception will follow in the church reception hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lorraine’s memory to: The Madison Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 446, Madison, CT 06443 or online at themadisonfoundation.org.

The Swan Funeral Home, Madison, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared a www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.