Lorraine Gillen

Jul 13, 2016

New Richmond, Wisconsin

Lorraine M. Gillen, age 90, of New Richmond WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 13th at Our House Senior Living Facility. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 151 South Washington Avenue in New Richmond at 11 am on Tuesday, July 19th. Interment will follow the Mass with a luncheon thereafter. Visitation will be held at CullenCrea Funeral Home, 307 South Arch Avenue, New Richmond, on Monday, July 18th from 4 – 7 pm with a prayer service at 6 pm, and one hour before Mass at the church. Lorraine, daughter of Aloysius and Elizabeth (Weber) Simmons, was born on March 11, 1926 in Faribault, MN. On November 23, 1948, she married Joseph M. Gillen at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. After marriage, they resided in Chicago, IL, Dundas, MN and, in 1958 moved to a farm in New Richmond where they raised their ten children. Lorraine was a devoted wife and a nurturing, supportive mother.

Lorraine was a hardworking, selfless woman who instilled in her children a strong work ethic and a solid sense of values and morals. She was always busy with gardening, cooking, canning, baking breads and desserts. She enjoyed the simplest things in life; laughter, children, a good joke, nature, puzzles, music, card games, and cherished interactions with people. She will be forever remembered for her sense of humor and quick wit. Those who knew Lorraine recognized how fundamental God was in her life. Lorraine was a devout Catholic with an unwavering faith. Her reverence for the Rosary inspired her to make thousands of rosaries that have been shared with people throughout the world. Lorraine is survived by her four sons and six daughters: David (Luz) Gillen of Burnsville, MN; Daniel (Linda) Gillen of Oviedo, FL; Bruce (Terry) Gillen of Protem, MO; Jerome Gillen of New Richmond; Carol (Mark) Lebo of River Falls, WI; Catherine Hughes of Roberts, WI, Bonnie Lane of Chippewa Falls, WI; Joan (Mark) Schneider of Brookfield, WI; Rita (Joe) Maloney of Chanhassen, MN; and Gloria (Peter) Kelly of Hastings, MN; 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Simmons of Austin, TX; one brother, Jim Simmons of Seneca, MO, and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents, a sister, Carol, and brother, Don. A huge thank you to Our House Senior Living Facility in New Richmond. You have been Mom’s special family for the past 4 years and we are forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to: Our House Senior Living Facility, Feed My Starving Children, or Interim Healthcare Hospice.