Lorraine C. Beyer

BEYER – Lorraine C. “Shorty,” 85, Portage, died May 4, 2022, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Born September 2, 1936, in Wilmore, daughter of Victor A. and Alberta T. (Smith) Beyer. Preceded in death by parents; sisters, Dorothy Trimble-Urick, Ruth Brown, and Helen Brown; and brothers, Russell and Father Leroy Beyer.

Survived by daughter, Diane Beyer, King George, Virginia; sisters, Ida Mae Spaid, Portage; and Alma Rounds, Littleton, Colorado; numerous nieces and nephews and other beloved family.

Shorty grew up on the “Mail Pouch” farm on the outskirts of Wilmore. In family lore she was known as a “miracle baby.” As an infant, she contracted a devastating case of spinal meningitis, from which she was not expected to survive. Through the devoted and loving prayers of her mother and the use of holy water from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes she made a miraculous recovery. She was a graduate and class president from the very last class of Wilmore High School in 1954, and loyally attended reunions up until her passing. She was a dietary supervisor at the Altoona, Cresson, and Ebensburg State Centers. Following retirement, she continued helping others, working part-time for Cambria Residential Services. Whether it was biking, golfing, gardening, or cruising down the highway a little too fast, she loved being outdoors. Shorty was an avid Pirates fan. She was a ruthless card player, enjoyed casino trips with friends, and “goodwilling” for bargains with her family. Though she is now gone from our sight we are so blessed to have had our beloved “miracle baby.”

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wilmore, Father Joseph C. Nale, Celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Lorraine’s name to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org

Arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork.