Lorraine Ellen (Paylor) Gehris, born on June 29, 1928, in Allentown, was raised by her late mother Dora (Snyder) George and stepfather Paul P. George. She was married for 72 years to Samuel Lewis Gehris, who passed on October 19, 2018. Lorraine went home to be with Sam on December 18, 2023, when she passed peacefully after a brief illness. She lived a vibrant and happy 95 years.

Lorraine was the second of three girls, her sisters Catherine B. Paylor (Cox) and Nancy George preceded her in death. Lorraine graduated from Allen High School in 1946. That same year, at the tender age of 18, she met and married the love of her life, Sam on September 7, 1946. While she surely could have attended college, she opted to make a home for she and Sam. A job she took seriously and one at which she excelled. Lorraine and Sam's marriage set a lifelong example of mutual admiration, respect, and love.

Lorraine and Sam had two children, whom they adored, a daughter Patricia Ann (Howard) and a son John Kevin. She had six grandchildren all who loved her dearly. Her daughter and her late husband, Lawrence J. Howard, M.D., had four children, Michael, Patrick, Tara and Jamie. Her son and his wife Daria (McCloud) had two, Jay and Ellen.

At the time of her passing, she was the proud great-grandmother of seven. Michael and his wife Amy (McGahan), a daughter Ava and a son Gavin, Patrick and his wife Kristan (Donahue), three daughters Madelyn, Layne, and Charlotte, Tara and her husband Michael (Fordiani), a son Connor and a daughter Piper.

Lorraine's most cherished gift in life was her family. She was always there for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She supported and sacrificed for them, without complaint or hesitation. For nearly 50 years, she was known almost exclusively and affectionally as "Nana." She never said "no" to the opportunity to babysit or spend time with her grandchildren. She was a gentle mix of love and discipline, who was quick to correct misbehavior, when needed.

Lorraine was devoutly religious. She and Sam were founding members of the Church of the Manager, Bethlehem. For years, she sang in the church choir and taught Sunday school. In addition to God, Lorraine loved her country, she was a true patriot, who enjoyed the singing of the national anthem and God Bless America. She led by example, respecting the Country's laws and institutions.

Lorraine enjoyed herself and was no stranger to fun. She loved music and dancing. She had a quick wit, which she used to laugh and kid, and when needed, comfort. She loved having a glass of wine and sitting with her girls (her daughter, granddaughter, and grand-daughters-in-law), telling stories about her life and Sam's, laughing, and intently discussing the day's hit television shows and pop culture.

At the time Lorraine fell ill in late November 2023, and although she lived alone, her house was fully decorated for Christmas, her favorite holiday. Her tree was in her living room, and the garland was hung on the staircase. She believed in the meaning of Christmas and celebrated the joy it brought every year.

Lorraine lived a long, full life. There was a void however after Sam passed. Those who loved her are undoubtedly sad and will miss her every day. Though, there is peace in knowing she is reunited with Sam, where they can resume dancing, singing, and loving again.

Simply stated, thank you, Nana, for all you did. We will always love you.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11 AM in the Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA.