Born on January 7, 1921 to Roscoe and Ida, nee Sexton, Collins, in Belleville, Illinois, Lorraine graduated from Belleville Township High School. In her senior yearbook, a classmate wrote how handsome a couple she and Emerson made. Lorraine married that man, the love of her life, and to their union four daughters were born. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, all of whom have great memories of her.
A lifelong resident of Belleville, she had a strong work ethic, working alongside her husband in their retail business. Her deep faith and love for God began at a very early age. She was teaching the primary grades in Sunday school at First Baptist Church by the time she was 12, and playing the organ for Sunday services while in high school. She was a true fan of the St. Louis Browns and Cardinals and recalls going to St. Louis as a child with her mother and aunt on Tuesdays, when ladies got in free.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Emerson W. Brunsman; her parents; a sister; a brother; and a grandson.
Surviving are her four daughters, Gay (John) Ward,
Nikki (Jim) Lyons;
Pam (Chuck) Budde;
and Chris (Dan) Simmons;
13 grandchildren;
and 26 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Dammert Nursing Home at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and the staff at Family Hospice for the exceptional care given to their mother.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: Graveside services will be for family only at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Condolences Left For Lorraine Brunsman
I will always remember your mother as a warm and caring lady. I have many fond memories of spending time at the house on Pennsylvania Ave. Blessings to all of you.
Debbie Groh Husted, O’Fallon, Illinois, 62269