†Sister Lorraine Rajewski, OP

“All that I am and all that I have is a gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

Nicodemus (Nick) and Wilhelmina (Wilma) Mooren Rajewski welcomed their first child, Lorraine, into the family on February 7, 1933. She was the eldest of six children, followed by two brothers – Bob and Tom – and three sisters – Elaine, Rosemary, and Linda. Lorraine spent her early years in Bay City, Michigan, attending St. Hyacinth School through the second grade. At age twelve, the family moved to a farm in the countryside, where they cultivated crops and tended goats, dogs, cats, and chickens. Their father owned a gas station and worked as a mechanic while Lorraine, her siblings and their mother labored in the garden to feed the family.

Life on the farm, though demanding, was deeply spiritual for Lorraine. She reflected: “I always found God or talked to God when working in the fields and in the evening. Just to see the growth of the plants was a mystery to me. We can hoe and water but only God gives the growth.”

Lorraine completed grade school at Raby School in Hampton Township and attended St. John’s High School in Essexville where she met the Dominican Sisters, who inspired her vocation. Feeling God’s call deepen, she entered Marywood on September 6, 1950.

At her reception, she was given the religious name Wilma in honor of her mother, but later reclaimed her baptismal name after Vatican II.

After her first profession of vows in 1952, Sister Lorraine began teaching second grade at Blessed Sacrament School in Grand Rapids. Since there was not yet a convent at the parish, she lived with other Sisters at St. John’s Home, where she helped care for children and assisted Sister Leo in the kitchen. This marked the beginning of a long teaching ministry in Michigan, New Mexico, and Florida.

In Michigan, Sister Lorraine taught in Grand Rapids at St. Anthony’s and Marywood Academy; Saginaw at St. Mary’s and St. Peter and Paul; Carrollton at St. Josaphat; in Bay City at St. Boniface and Holy Rosary Academy; in Munger at St. Norbert’s; in North Dorr at Visitation; at Beaver Island Holy Cross, and at Portland St. Patrick’s. In New Mexico, she taught in Albuquerque at Holy Ghost School and in Santa Cruz at Holy Cross. She also spent three years teaching in Pensacola, Florida at Sacred Heart School.

Sister Lorraine earned a B.A. from Aquinas College and later studied at Xavier University in New Orleans, becoming certified as a Workshop Way Consultant. This innovative teaching approach, developed by Sr. Grace Pilon, SBS, emphasized confidence, independence, and competence in young learners. Sister Lorraine embraced the Workshop Way wholeheartedly and became a passionate advocate and respected consultant in the field.

In 1995 she enjoyed a sabbatical at Blessing Place in Lacombe, Louisiana, where she honed her artistic skills in watercolor, painting and ceramics. “I love color, it brings me close to God,” she said. Her artistic pursuits led her to become an active member of the Dominican Institute for the Arts (DIA) where she was known for her enthusiasm and dedication. A former DIA president recalled: “Lorraine’s stamped and embossed note cards were true works of art, generously shared with others. She was a gracious and gentle woman, always among the first to renew her membership.”

After retiring from the classroom, Sister Lorraine assisted in the Bookstore at Dominican Center Marywood. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hiking and skiing in the mountains in New Mexico and tending a garden whenever possible. She said, “Working in a garden helps me to experience the ever – presence of God working in our lives.”

Her classmates and friends remember her as a lively and sociable companion, always ready to enjoy a spirited card game and good food. She was famous for her “sticky buns party.” Whoever was around at the time was called to savor hot rolls with cinnamon and brown sugar glaze fresh out of the oven.

Sister Lorraine embodied the values of prayer, study, community and service. When faced with failing health she confidently waited for God to call her Home. May her joyful spirit and faithful heart continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

Sr. Lorraine is survived by her sisters Elaine Golsch, Rosemary Ballor, and Linda (Larry) Castillo, brother Thomas Rajewski, sister-in-law Nancy Rajewski, cousin other relatives and many friends, and members of her Dominican community.