Loretta “Lorrie” Irene Blain, age 88, passed away in her home in Costa Mesa, CA on August 14, 2024. Born on June 29, 1936, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Bertha and Jacob Schmitt, Lorrie lived a life full of love, devotion, and service. Growing up on a farm in Wishek, ND, Lorrie moved to Waverly, Iowa to attend Wartburg College. After receiving her AA in Parish Work in 1956, she lived for a time in Omaha, NE, but later moved to Northern California where she met her future husband, James “Jim” Blain. California joyfully became her permanent home.
In 1959, Lorrie and Jim married in Sacramento. In 1960, they moved to Newport Beach where Jim served as a pastor at Newport Harbor Lutheran Church from 1960 until his death from cancer in 1973. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared countless memories. Lorrie found great joy in using her parish degree to ensure that Sunday School and Vacation Bible School had meaning and relevance to all enrolled. Following Jim’s premature death, Lorrie was offered a job teaching second grade at Carden Hall and she turned it into a career, serving there for 35 years. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom as she continued to train teachers and tutor students until her final days. Her influence on the lives of countless students is a testament to her commitment to education and the community.
Lorrie was a devoted Christian who trusted in God’s mercy and grace. She cherished her Bible study classes and groups, and she was active in many ways such as serving on Church Council, attending women’s retreats, and cooking for just about any church event or celebration. She also found great joy in volunteering at Hoag Hospital for many years.
Known for her warmth and hospitality, Lorrie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, often hosting gatherings that brought together friends and family. She hosted tea parties in her home for many years, sometimes serving groups as large as 60 people.
Lorrie’s legacy of love, faith, and education will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.
In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Jim, Lorrie is preceded in death by her infant brother, baby boy Schmitt, and her infant granddaughter, Grace.
She is survived by her four loving children: Jeff (Carol); Jason (Mary Katherine); Chris; and Sarah (Terry); by 12 grandchildren, Jacob (Emily), Erika (Sean), Jeff (Kelly), James (Ashley), Harrison, Hank (Sydney), Amanda, Tristan (Addie), Gretchen, Carver (fiancée Rebecca), Sophia, and Sawyer; by four great-grandchildren, Blake, Brooklynn, Rebekah, and Eloise; by her sister, Mary Ann (Jack) and her brothers, Larry (Marion), David (Susan), and Glenn (Kimberly); as well as by many other relatives and friends throughout the years.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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