Mrs. Marie Lorraine Dolores (Dufour) Robert, age 90, of Gainesville, Florida, died peacefully on August 16th, 2022 at her home in the loving care of family. Lorraine was a devoted Catholic, a dedicated and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She was born on August 3rd 1932 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to George and Marie Dufour. She had two sisters, Constance and Claudette and a brother Morris, all of whom preceded her in death.

Lorraine centered her life in the Catholic Church. She took strength from her faith and love of Jesus. Throughout her life, Lorraine volunteered at parish events, directed fund raising efforts, administered the holy eucharist at hospitals, and was an active member in the Sisters of Mercy. Lorraine attended church mostly every day to pray the rosary in adoration of Mother Mary. She was an active parish member at St. Josephs in Lakeland, Sacred Heart in Burnsville, NC, and Holy Faith Church in Gainesville.

Lorraine had a lifelong love of dance. She was a ballet dancer from eight to nineteen years old. Lorraine cherished her memories of dancing ballet on point for the rest of her life. Her family loved to hear stories of her ballet recitals. Even in her late 80s she could be convinced to show off some tap dancing.

Lorraine met her lifelong love Joseph Robert at a YMCA dance. They were married in 1953 at Precious Blood Church in Woonsocket, RI. Lorraine and Joe started their marriage in New England but soon found their way to sunny Miami Florida where they raised their family.

Lorraine was a skilled homemaker and a highly involved parent to her three children. She volunteered in their schools, was a team mother for their sports teams, was active in clubs and organizations, and was their personal chauffeur for many years. She encouraged her kids to dance, learn music, and always supported their creative efforts. Most of all, she was a patient and loving mother, supporting her children in everything.

Lorraine and Joe made homes in Opa Locka, Hialeah, Davie, and Lakeland, Florida. They made their last move to Gainesville, Florida where Lorraine cared for Joe in his last few years.

During her remaining years, Lorraine continued her devotion to church and to her family. She enjoyed playing bingo, and loved to eat out. She was a diehard Florida Gator fan and attended many games with her family. She enjoyed spending regular time with her granddaughter Arden, who stayed with her memere during her last weeks in her home, caring and comforting her until her time had come.

Her family takes comfort knowing that Lorraine spoke of being reunited in heaven with her mother and her husband Joe, her sisters Constance and Claudette and brother Morris. Lorraine is survived by her son Vernon Robert of Central Lake, Michigan, his daughter Jenee and son Vernon, Jr.; her daughter Marie and her husband Doug of Ft. Myers, Florida and their children Sierra and Zachary; and her son Joel, his wife Heather, Joel’s daughter Arden and Joel’s stepchildren Eleanor and Phaedra Alan.

A mass in Lorraine’s honor will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 12:30pm in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lakeland, Florida. A private ceremony to inter her remains will immediately follow at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, Florida.