Lorraine Henrietta Adams

Lorraine Henrietta Van Well Adams was born March 2, 1927 to Peter Van Well and Caroline Roelle Van Well. After a life well-lived, Lorraine passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 90, with her family by her side.

Lorraine grew up in Wenatchee Washington and spent her child hood helping out in the her father’s nursery business along with her other 6 siblings She graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1945 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Seattle University in 1950. While working as a registered nurse at Providence Hospital in Seattle, she met her future husband Dr. John B. Adams, and they married on April 14, 1951. They then moved to Walla Walla in 1953 where Dr. Adams set up his medical practice and they started their family.

While raising four children, Lorraine was active as a volunteer in the Walla Walla community. She was active in the Red Cross blood drives, Assumption Parish Alter Society, Catholic Daughters of America, PEO Chapter AD, and a member of the Junior League. In 1961, she was one of five women who organized the St. Mary Community Hospital Auxiliary (now known as the Providence St. Mary Medical Center Service League). She was instrumental in the starting and management of the St. Mary Gift Shop, and was honored by St. Mary Medical Center for her fifty years of service in 2011.

Lorraine was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed camping and sailing vacations with her family, and tending to her flower gardens. She was a devoted mother and wife, and her family was the center of her life.

Lorraine is survived by her children Kathy McClafferty of Butte Montana (Mick), Joe Adams of Wenatchee Washington, and Dawn Adams of Walla Walla, and a granddaughter Heather McClafferty Austin (Dan) of Butte, Montana and Brother in law Joseph J. Adams of Portland Oregon. She is also survived by Betty Correa, her longtime companion and caregiver.
Also surviving are Lorraine’s brothers Richard Van Well, Peter J. Van Well (Ardie) and Thomas Van Well (Connie) of Wenatchee Washington and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband D. John B. Adams, and her daughter Carol Ann Mason. Also, her sister Kathleen Van Well, brothers Jack Van Well and Joe Van Well, brother in law Robert V. Adams and sister in law Marguerite Brown.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Herring Funeral Home from 3:00PM until the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00PM. The Funeral Mass will be held at Assumption Catholic Church on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 10:00AM with Father David Gaines, Officiant.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice, Providence St. Mary Home Health, Butte Emergency Food Bank or a charity of choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla, WA.

Special thanks to Dr. Bruce Barga and staff, and Park View and Wheatland Village staff for their many years of care and compassion.