Lorraine French

Lifelong Waunakee resident, Lorraine French, 94, passed away with her daughters at her side. Lorraine was our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. There was rarely an occasion in our family that mom did not attend. She was there with her loving smile for every holiday, every birthday, every graduation, every occasion that we celebrated. The kids always asked - is Grandma coming? Who is picking her up? Dave & Terri and family always made room in their car for Grandma. She was a huge part of our family.

Lorraine was born in Westport in 1921 to Joe and Catherine Kessenich. Lorraine graduated from Waunakee High School in 1938. Her mother passed away at a young age and Lorraine found herself in the position of mom to her many younger brothers and sister.

In 1946 Lorraine married Glenn French and they raised four children, Wade (Kathy) French, Kay (Joe Statz), Diane (Ben) Disalvo and Dale (Julie) French. Lorraine was employed by Demco Library supplies for many years. She loved working at Demco and made many life- long friends there. After Glenn passed away in 1985, she worked at the Video Library in Waunakee and made many more friends. Every week Lorraine had her hair done at Styles by Dave - she loved getting her hair done every week but even more than that, she loved the time she spent with Dave. Thank you Dave for being such a good friend to mom for so many years.

Lorraine is survived by her four children and their spouses; her beloved grandchildren, Scott Statz, Terri (Dave) Miller , Misty & Jamie Melchert, Josh (Sara) French, Kimberly French and Megan Jansen; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert (Lillas) Kessenich and Jack (Kathy) Kessenich; and sister, Betty Mulhern. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn French; grandson, Zachary French; her parents, Joe & Catherine Kessenich; and her brothers, William, Arthur, Donald and Joe. She was so proud of her brothers and sister and loved them very much and we are so grateful for the love they showed her throughout the years.

Our children and grandchildren have many wonderful stories that will make them smile and remember "Grandma" for many years to come. Good bye mom and rest in peace -until we meet again, we love you and miss you already! Thank you for being our mom and Grandma!
Thank you to the staff at Good Samaritan in Lodi where mom spent the past three years, a special thanks to "Rose" whose care and compassion made life easier for mom.

Visitation will be held at St. John's Church 209 South Street in Waunakee on Thursday, August 25, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Msgr. James Gunn will officiate. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI