Mrs. M. Lorraine (Rowe) Stripp, age 77, of Old Forge, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side.

Lorraine was born in Warsaw NY, on April 6, 1934, the daughter of the late Alfred H. and Martha (Belknap) Rowe.

She grew up in Wyoming NY, graduating from Wyoming Central School and Keuka College. On October 1, 1955, she wed her childhood sweetheart, Allen L. Stripp.

After moving to Old Forge in 1958, Lorraine immersed herself into the community that she grew to love so well. She was one of the founding members of the local Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and remained an active member for over 40 years.

Lorraine was employed at the Arts Center in Old Forge for many years. She had an assortment of job titles including Assistant Director, Bookkeeper, Craft Fair Chairperson, Hostess and Volunteer.

Her great love of children led her to an assistant position with Kinderwood, the local preschool program. She smiled, held hands, fixed boo-boos, guided and cheered the children on for over four decades.

Lorraine was also very involved with the Polar Bear Ski Club while her kids skied in the 1970’s; spending many hours on McCauley Mountain helping with ski races and fund raising.

In 2009, she and her husband received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Adirondack Association, “in recognition of a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the development, guidance and support of the Central Adirondack region and its citizens.”

She was a long time member of the Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church in Old Forge.

She is survived by her loving husband, Allen L, Stripp, of Old Forge; her children, David W. Stripp and his wife, Kelly of Marion, NY; Michael J. Stripp and his wife, Dayna of Holland Patent; Mark A. Stripp and his wife, Karen of Glenwood Springs, CO; Daniel B. Stripp of Vail, CO; Susan L. Stripp of Old Forge; and Sandra L. Tetreault and her husband, Pierre of Old Forge; grandchildren, Tracy Maddox and her husband, Alex; Trevor, Sarah, Daniel, Christopher, Ryann, Michelle, Erika, Jessica and Tyler Stripp; great grandchild, Zahria Maddox; nephew, Dick E. Rowe and his wife, Shannon. She was predeceased by a brother, James Rowe.

The memorial service is Thursday, August 4 at 3 p.m. at Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church of Old Forge.

There will be no calling hours.

A luncheon will be offered at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Kinderwood Preschool Program, P.O. Box 255, Old Forge, NY 13420 in memory of Lorraine. Envelopes will be available at the service.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Raquette Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY for all the care, compassion and comfort given to Lorraine.

Arrangements are with the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Old Forge.

For online expression of sympathy go to www.dfwefh.com.