Lorraine Virginia Phillips

10/03/1926 – 03/27/2011

After a short illness, Lorraine Virginia Phillips passed peacefully on Sunday, March 27 with her family at her side, as the angels whisked her off to heaven. Her sweet disposition, loving nature and sense of humor will be sorely missed. Lorraine was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin October 3, 1926 to Charles and Antonia Hermann.

Lorraine married Jerome (Jerry) Phillips in Milwaukee WI upon his release from service on January 26 1946. Two children were born to Lorraine and Jerry in Milwaukee where Lorraine fortunately was still in the era where it was common to be a stay-at-home mom. As an angel in training, Lorraine thrived on motherhood. She was immersed in the upbringing of her two children attending school functions, becoming a den mother, baking up a storm, and being involved in crafts long before it became vogue. The art of knitting, crocheting, quilting and sewing were just a few of her unique talents and expertise. In addition, Lorraine was an adamant bowler at the Goleta lanes from the 60’s through the mid ‘90’s with awards of Senior High Average for many years.

Lorraine and Jerry left Milwaukee in 1961 and transferred from AC Spark Plug Milwaukee to General Motors Research Facility in Goleta. Adjusting to the temperate climate was easy, but it was difficult to leave close family behind in Milwaukee. Camping in their fifth-wheel trailer became a favorite get-away. During those journeying years she and Jerry would hitch the trailer and head to the Sierra’s to pan and dredge for gold, or travel out to the desert to do ‘rock hounding’ with the Gem & Mineral Society. And then there were the annual trailering get-togethers in Death Valley. Lorraine was a natural pioneer woman. She was always ready to pitch in and help, such as the time her close friend Loretta Headley asked her to help watch over customer service at her restaurant called Poor Richard’s. Lorraine jumped in and what she lacked in restaurant experience she made up with gusto. Her life was devoted to please and to relish in life with her husband, her children and friends.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents and oldest brother Harold. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Jerry, brother Richard of Milwaukee WI and daughter June (Bob) Darby of Santa Ynez, son Dennis Phillips of Santa Barbara, grandson Nicholas Phillips, granddaughter Carena Phillips and step grandchildren, Randi, Tracey and Kelly and their families, along with nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and Thousand Oaks.

A Celebration of her life will be held at the Elks Club in Goleta on Friday, April 22, 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Loper Funeral Chapel, Directors.