Lorraine Grant

MADISON - Lorraine Grant, age 78, of Madison, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital. Lorraine was born on Feb. 8, 1942, in Waukegan, Ill., the daughter of Wayne and Fannie (Hintsa) Ekkela. She grew up in Waukegan with her brothers, Wayne “Skipper” and Dale and went to high school at Waukegan Township High School. On Feb 12, 1959, she met her future husband, Larry…a date they forever referred to as the best day of their lives. Lorraine was on the swim team and was a member of countless social clubs, not surprising to those that knew her. Larry and Lorraine were married on Jan. 26, 1963, in Waukegan, Ill. Lorraine attended Butler University for a year and worked as a bookkeeper while supporting Larry through undergraduate and post-graduate studies at Loyola University in Chicago. After graduation in 1971, Larry and Lorraine moved to Madison where Larry began his dental practice and they established themselves as active members of the community. In Madison, Lorraine established a wallpaper hanging business with her good friend and business partner Mary, calling themselves “The Paper Dolls,” a business they enjoyed together for many years. Lorraine was an accomplished golfer. She played golf all over the state of Wisconsin (and across the nation), in tournaments and recreationally, and was a board member of the Wisconsin Women’s State Golf Association (WWSGA). She was a member of Blackhawk Country Club and Cherokee Golf Club and also played in several Madison city leagues. She had three holes-in-one and loved to tease Larry that he never had one. She passed on her love of the game to her family and introduced the game to her grandkids as well. Lorraine was a very social and active lady. In addition to golf, she enjoyed gardening, tennis, racquetball, skiing, backgammon, games and CARDS! She was a wicked card player and was in countless Bridge, Marathon and Euchre groups. She passed on her love and skill in cards to her family and spent many evenings playing with them. But above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids, attending their activities, teaching them and watching them grow. Lorraine is survived by her brother, Dale; son, Michael (Mary) Grant; daughter, Leslie (Bryan) Leonard; grandchildren, Emily Grant (fiancé, Michael White), Brayden Grant, Kaitlyn Leonard and Riley Leonard; and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, in 2020; her parents; and her brother. Private family services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Burial will follow at Middleton Junction Cemetery. We would like to thank the medical professionals at St. Mary's Hospital and SSM Health for their wonderful care. Memorials in Lorraine’s name, in honor of Larry, can be made to UW Health-Transplant; Our UW Health Transplant Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761