Lorraine P. Stevens

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine P. Stevens (née Parker) of Port Orange, FL.

Lorraine passed away peacefully in Wayne, NJ, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, while receiving the loving care of her family. She was born in Pedro Miguel, located in the Panama Canal Zone, and was the only child of Sumner and Eleanor Parker.

Lorraine’s life changed profoundly at the age of 12 when she tragically lost her father. He passed away while working as an electrician on the Panama Canal, leaving a void that deeply impacted Lorraine and her mother. Seeking a fresh start, they moved to the United States, eventually settling in Miami, FL. While there, Lorraine attended Miami Jackson High School, graduating with the class of 1960.

While living in Miami, Lorraine worked as a hostess at the Miami Beach Servicemen’s Center, where she was even named “Hostess of the Month.” The center was a lively gathering spot for servicemen stationed nearby, and it was there that Lorraine’s life took a romantic turn. She brought her friend Judy to the center, where they met two U.S. Navy servicemen from the Sonar Base in Key West: Dennis and Lloyd, their future husbands. Sparks flew between Lorraine and Dennis, and the two quickly grew close, falling in love.

In addition to her work at the servicemen’s center, Lorraine worked as a secretary to the claims manager at Conger Life Insurance Company in Miami (Allapattah).

On July 31, 1962, Lorraine and Dennis exchanged vows, beginning their journey as husband and wife. The newlyweds initially settled in Hallandale, FL. However, their joy was tempered as Dennis soon received orders to ship out aboard the USS Johnston, a Navy Fletcher-class destroyer bound for the tumultuous waters near the Bay of Pigs, Cuba. After his service, the couple reunited and briefly lived in Nebraska (where Dennis was from) before returning to Florida, where they welcomed their first child, Ken. They later moved to West Palm Beach, FL, where their daughter Denise was born. Driven by Dennis’ career training needs, the family relocated to California before eventually returning to the East Coast, settling in Clifton, NJ, where they welcomed their third child, Caren. Lorraine and Dennis later purchased their first home in Prospect Park, NJ, where they raised their children.

Throughout the years, Lorraine balanced work and family, taking on roles as a bartender, pharmacy technician, and cashier at Pathmark in Fair Lawn, NJ, later transferring to West Paterson. She dedicated over 30 years to Pathmark before retiring in 2010. Lorraine’s mornings often began with her favorite hot chocolate, always made just the way she liked it—by Dennis. She also loved spoiling her many dogs over the years, including Prissy, Tinker, Pepper, and Pebbles, who were cherished members of the family.

In retirement, Lorraine and Dennis returned to Florida, where they embraced a life of leisure and connection. Lorraine treasured evenings spent with her senior friends playing Mexican Train Dominoes, shopping for bargains, dining out, and sipping mojitos. A devoted fan of Dairy Queen, she loved treating herself to a sweet indulgence. Known for her determination and resilience, Lorraine overcame countless health challenges, including multiple cancers and tumors. She often remarked that if an elderly man with COPD could climb Mount Everest, so could she—her optimism and tenacity never wavered.

Above all, Lorraine’s greatest passion was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and, more recently, her great-grandson, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a great-grandmother. Lorraine and Dennis shared an extraordinary 62 years of marriage until his passing in March 2024.

Lorraine’s bold and outspoken personality left a lasting impression. She spoke with fiery confidence and honesty, often surprising those around her. Despite her lack of a filter, her words were always rooted in the best intentions.

Lorraine was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Ken Stevens, and his wife Donna of East Stroudsburg, PA; her daughters, Denise Conti and her husband Tony of Binghamton, NY, and Caren Scardilli and her husband Scott of Wayne, NJ; five grandsons, Ryan Stevens and his wife Amanda of Harrisburg, PA, Daniel Stevens of East Stroudsburg, PA, Matthew Conti of Binghamton, NY, Christopher Conti of Binghamton, NY, and Dylan Scardilli of Wayne, NJ; her only granddaughter, Taylor Scardilli of Wayne, NJ; and her first and only great-grandson, Jackson Stevens of Harrisburg, PA. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dennis Stevens, in March 2024.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Lorraine’s memory are encouraged to consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital