Lorraine Majcher Hanway passed peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the age of 85. Lorraine, affectionately known as Laurie to her long-time friends, then later in life as Mom, followed by Buscia (pronounced BOO-SHA, a form of Grandmother in Polish) was born to Clara Majcher (known as Boo) in Rochester, NY on January 9, 1939. Lorraine moved to McMurray, PA after marrying William Forrest Hanway, the love of her life, and later moved to Laguna Hills, CA with the family she and William built. Lorraine lived an exceptional and vibrant life with an indomitable spirit and she will be greatly missed.

As the only child of a newly immigrated Polish mother at the onset of World War II, Lorraine's early years were truly exceptional. Hardships endured therein led to her electing to become an Aspirant with the Orders of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester who enabled her degree from Nazareth College. It was during these years that she made friendships which would prove to last a lifetime, and to the best of our knowledge, she proudly became the first member of her lineage to hold a college degree. Although not Lorraine's wish at the time, her husband and children thank the sisters for releasing her to us.

Lorraine had a big personality. Her children referred to her lovingly as "Super Star Hanway", not because she could walk into a room and know many people from the start – but because she could sit down at a restaurant and walk out with a new friend from the neighboring table. After her years with the sisters she became a certified elementary school teacher, a wife, a mother, a long-term caregiver to her mother (Clara/Boo), a substitute teacher, a catechism teacher, a massage therapist, a grandmother, and a parish volunteer. Lorraine was athletic and loved sports. She often spoke fondly of her time in youth basketball and had quite the arm for games of catch (baseball and football). Her greatest moments were watching her children in the horse arena, her son on the football field, and her grandchildren on the soccer and football fields. She wouldn't miss a televised Pittsburgh Steelers or Notre Dame football game if she could manage.

Due to her unique childhood and giving nature, Lorraine was remarkably charitable. She also had a quick wit and a sharp tongue – particularly should you be in need of a haircut or shave. Lorraine was an avid reader, loved to hit the casino, and found great joy in visiting her vacation condo in Mexico. She is survived by her husband William Hanway; her daughters Julie Hanway Molina and Denise Hanway Riedl; her son Gregory Hanway; her grandchildren William Molina and Sebastian Riedl; her son-in-laws Anthony Molina and Stefan Riedl; and her chosen family of Anna, Gregory, and Caroline Ratajski.

We invite you to join us at a mass held in her remembrance on November 23, 2024 at 10 am:

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

27231 Aliso Viejo Parkway

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Followed by a reception at the Hanway Home from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm:

26142 Talega Avenue

Laguan Hills, CA 92653

Should you wish to send flowers or a note of remembrance, kindly send to the Hanway Home for receipt on November 22 (or prior) to allow for display at the reception. Lorraine will be laid to rest with her mother at Ascension Cemetery.

Hands that Rocked the Cradle

From the moment of my birth,

Their comforting touch remembered

By those still here on earth.

Strong and able those hands

That taught me how to pray,

Banishing childhood fears;

They soothed each one away.

When I grew much older

And troubles came my way,

Those hands caressing mine

Did more than words could say.

Mother's hands were caring,

They're missed so very much,

I'd give the world to feel once more

Their warm and supportive touch.

Those hands were full of comfort

Now they lie to rest,

But memories hold them close

To the ones they served the best.

~adapted from Marian Jones~