Obituary of Lorraine R Eberhardt

Lorraine R. Eberhardt passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Gregory wing of St. Andrew’s Hospital, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 24, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Boothbay Baptist Church, to celebrate Lorraine’s life. Lorraine was born on January 22, 1922, in Prosser, Washington, to Donald E. Miller and Ellen H. Miller (Herd). After the years in Washington, the family relocated to Harbor Creek, PA, where Lorraine graduated from high school. Lorraine married Forrest C. Thornton in 1940 and moved to Arbuckle, PA. Their sons David and Dale were born while living in the Erie, PA, area. The Thornton family made many trips to Cherryfield, Maine, to spend time with Lorraine’s family, as her father was a pastor for many years at the Harrington Baptist Church. Their last family move was to Louisville, KY, because of Forrest’s work transfer to the General Electric Corporation office. Lorraine married William Eberhardt in November, 1964, in Princeton’s Chapel, Bill’s alma mater. They traveled extensively to many West Indies islands and held management positions at various resorts in the Caribbean. They enjoyed St. Lucia, Mayreau, St. Thomas, Barbados, and Cayman Islands, and spent their last years of employment at the Pan Cayman House, Grand Cayman. They loved their special life, gaining many friendships with the guests who returned regularly year after year. Being an artistic person, Lorraine taught herself art/design principles and learned to needlepoint. She created her own designs, hand painted canvasses, and sold her designs to guests and friends. Her love for design followed her to Maine when she and Bill moved to Boothbay Harbor in 1987. Lorraine designed needlepoint and cross-stitch kits of Maine lighthouses, and the kits were sold in a local needlework shop for many years Lorraine was an avid swimmer throughout her lifetime. She taught swimming lessons and developed a synchronized swimming program for youth in a Jewish community center in Louisville. After moving to Maine, Lorraine became well known and admired at the Boothbay YMCA center because of her swimming. She was always ready to jump into the pool and swim lengths in her preferred lane. These water adventures were a highlight every week, and she reported her accomplishments in her weekly phone conversations with sons David and Dale. In 2011, she was recognized for her swimming pursuits and she proudly had pictures taken with her prized medal. Lorraine enjoyed her relationships with staff and fellow members; wonderful experiences she gained from the regular exercise and great conversations. Lorraine was an active member at the Boothbay Baptist Church and after she no longer had a car, Stan and Cindy Lewis, her neighbors, always made sure she could attend church. Her church family surrounded her with support in her faith journey and church attendance was a priority in her life. Encouraged by stepson Bill, Jr., Lorraine and Bill Jr. decided to tackle the self-publishing world when she turned 90. Lorraine wrote Bill’s and her life story on yellow legal pads, with editing assistance by Dale Thornton and Mary Ann Landmesser. Bill Jr. then received the edited manuscript, and put her story into a book format, including photos, maps, and illustrations drawn by Lorraine. In 2015 Lorraine decided to write her second book and finally in January 2016 the second manuscript was sent to Bill Jr. She was always saying that she needed to live long enough to finish this book. She accomplished what she set out to do and finished her writing for the second publication. Lorraine continued to live in her home until April 2016. She loved the life at Mainstay and often commented on the beautiful river views from her bed and/or dining room. She loved the house, the landscape, and the many memories shared in their special place. Lorraine is survived by son David Thornton, Boise, ID, stepson William Eberhardt, Jr. Riverside, CA, daughter-in-law Mary Thornton, Moorhead, MN. Other survivors are grandsons Michael and Anabelle Eberhardt (Valentina and Raphael) London, UK, Brian and Shannon Eberhardt (Braden, Tanner, and Carson) Eastvale, CA, Brent and Lisa Thornton (Owen and twin granddaughters to be born in June 2016) Maple Grove, MN, Blair and Amanda Thornton (William) Moorhead, MN, and granddaughter Cindy Westervelt (Sierra and Charley) of Boise, ID. The families of Lorraine Eberhardt wish to express their appreciation and support given to Lorraine during her years in Maine: Dick and Diane Crocker and their family, Doug and Sharon Goldhirsch, Stan and Cindy Lewis, Pastor Steve Nash, Dr. Alan Barker, Marti Booth, Ann Bosse, Amy Winston, Jan Beliasov, her YMCA cronies, and all those unnamed but who shared their faith, time, and energies with Lorraine.