Lorraine Gail Gutsche's Obituary
Lorraine Gail Gutsche passed away peacefully at home in Tucson on June 6, 2024, after battling cancer. She was born September 9, 1945, in New York City and grew up in Woodmere on Long Island.
She left New York for study at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English. It was during her time at the university that she met her beloved husband, George, whom she married in January 1966. They celebrated their 58th anniversary earlier this year.
Lorraine's career path centered on helping people -- she was a social worker in Madison and in Chicago, where she and George moved in 1968. As a second wave feminist, she was drawn to women's rights issues. In Illinois she ran a community college vocational program for displaced homemakers. This experience led her to become an independent vocational counselor in the 1980s. As a counselor and lecturer, she gave communication skills seminars and training workshops for local and national businesses. For several years she also owned and managed a profitable weight-loss franchise where she led the discussion groups and fitness classes. From the late 1980s until her retirement two years ago, she would give training seminars in Arizona and other states as an independent consultant and outplacement adviser.
Lorraine enjoyed traveling, sailing, reading, the theater (in New York, LA and Tucson), films, yoga, and taking long walks. She had a zest for life and a passion for exploration. She is survived by her loving husband, George, her devoted children, Tania and Alex, and her sisters, Rochelle Levy (Mennen) and Linda Abrams (Mennen). She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ruth Mennen.
A celebration of Lorraine's life will be held in the fall to honor her. Lorraine will be missed, but her lively spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew her.
What’s your fondest memory of Lorraine?
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Share a story where Lorraine's kindness touched your heart.
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