Obituary of Debbie Brown- Flarity

Remembering Lorraine from Michael In 1990, Lorraine came into my live as a beautiful young woman who made me so very happy. Her perky personality, her dimpled smile and her occasional sarcastic responses added lots of spice and fun to our gatherings. I worked night shift in law enforcement in north Dade County. She worked night shift in a convenience store in my patrol zone that I frequented for coffee, a bite to eat, and the occasional 3:AM conversation to keep me awake. One of my fellow officers would endlessly encourage me to ask her out. So, I did! Lorraine & I dated until the spring of 1994, when I asked her to accept me as her husband and share her life with me. She accepted, and later that year we rejoiced at a Cinderella-type wedding that Lorraine planned with the greatest of detail. I added to that fairy-tale ambiance with a surprise after-wedding ride in a white horse drawn carriage, from the Church to the reception hall. As our children, Robert and Kaitlin, came into our lives, Lorraine was a master at planning family outings that would include everyone - grandparents, Barbara and Joe, Uncle Ted and Aunt Sue, as well as the large group of friends that shared the joys our children. Lorraine made special efforts to bring the children into the life of my mother, Marian, who lived in Alabama, and Barbara and Joe, who lived in Miami. After grandparents Joe and Barbara retired to Pensacola, more effort and travel were required to retain the close family connections. Lorraine often made that long trek with just the kids so the grandparents could enjoy their only grandchildren. The Pensacola family circle was enlarged with Uncle Les and Aunt Margie and their children and grandchildren. We celebrated many wonderful Thanksgivings at Les and Margie's with a host of family and friends. I was always amazed by Lorraine's knowledge about child psychology and education. She was truly dedicated to having our children educated in a good, faith based school. Lorraine was a mom who not only WANTED the best for her kids, she made it happen! She volunteered for services at our church, and its academy for several years. I would occasionally tease her to put in an application, saying that maybe she could get paid to be there. Well, to my surprise, one day she did, and was hired to work in the school office. She was very active in parent-school events, served as chaperone on a number of occasions, and participated in many of the church's functions. It seems that many married couples sometimes have "Problems with the In-Laws." Not in this case. She adopted her in-laws with open arms as her own parents. Lorraine's mother-in-law, Barbara, was like "Mom" to Lorraine and was "Grandma Barbara" to Robert and Kaitlin. Lorraine and Barbara had an unusually close relationship. At family gatherings, the two of them worked totally in sync with cooking, cleaning up and putting everything away after the big meals. When everyone else went their own way to read, watch football and ultimately go to bed, Barbara and Lorraine could be found in the back yard on the patio or porch talking, and talking, and talking, regardless of the time of night or how cold it became outside. Mike and his father Joe often wondered how in the world those two could find so much to talk about for so long. My father suffered with cancer and passed away in 2001. Lorraine would ensure that the children would know their grand-parents, and made the trip to Pensacola several times a year during my father's illness. Even if I could not get away from work, she would make the trip every six to eight weeks with the kids. Barbara passed away just over three years ago, and it was quite a loss for Lorraine. But, I suspect that Barbara and Lorraine have found each other in Heaven and are probably talking non-stop - as usual! Lorraine was very fond of animals, kind to them, and enjoyed tending to their needs. She was so perceptive toward animals that I would often refer to her as Dr. Doolittle. About four years ago, we were considering getting a pet for the kids. When our current family dog, a rather large Labrador Retriever named "Gator" was first introduced to us, he completely ignored me and went straight to Lorraine. I knew at that moment that Gator was a new member of the family, and that I had been replaced as the "family dog." If I was ever asked if I would do it all over again, with no doubt, I would say YES! I will miss my loving wife of just under 22 years. With God's blessings, and loving memory, I now say good bye to Lorraine, until we meet again in God's Glory. Robert Michael Flarity, Sr.