Parish of Leatherhead - Lorraine Willmott
This appeared in the October 2021 issue of the Leatherhead Parish Bulletin:
CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF LORRAINE
WILLMOTT
A memorial service to celebrate the life of our dear friend Lorraine
Willmott was held on Monday 27th September in the Parish Church.
It was led by our Rector Graham and was a heart-rending service with
beautiful music and poetry, chosen by Lorraine for her funeral,
highlighting her beloved Scotland.
Lorraine died on 19th February 2020 at the beginning of COVID and only
five people were allowed to be at her short funeral service. Lorraine
was a gifted and talented woman but also incredibly humble and it was
both a joy and a sadness to hear the four tributes given about different
aspects of her life; her family, her teaching, her creative skills, her
‘kirk’ life and journey of faith. Hardly a dry eye in the church –
Lorraine was very loved. Around ninety people came to the service in the
beautifully reordered church which sadly Lorraine had not been able to
see; she was very excited about the project. It was lovely to have
refreshments in the church afterwards and to have the space to mingle
with everyone and share memories of Lorraine.
Linda Hauxwell
A Celebration for the Life ofLorraine Susan Willmott4th December 1952 - 19th February 2020Monday 27th September 2021 at 2.00 pm Leatherhead Parish Church Led by Rev’d Graham Osborne |
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Order of Service
Revd Graham Osborne: We meet in the name of Jesus Christ, who died and was raised to the glory of God the Father. Grace and mercy be with you.
Graham said it was intended that Lorraine's nephew Giles would play Highland Cathedral on his bagpipes. Sadly Giles could not be here. Instead we'd hear a whole pipe band ...
please click Highland Cathedral
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
We look not to the things that are
seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen
are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Today we come together to remember
before God our sister in Christ Lorraine Willmott, to give thanks for
her life and to comfort one another in our grief.
HYMN
The Lord's my Shepherd,
I’ll not want,
He makes me down to lie,
In pastures green;
He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
My soul He doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E'en for His own name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For thou art with me, and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
My table thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God's house for evermore,
My dwelling-place shall be.
OPENING PRAYER
Father in heaven, we thank you because
you made us in your own image and gave us gifts in body, mind and
spirit. We thank you now for Lorraine and what she meant to each of
us. As we honour her memory, make us more aware that you are the one
from whom comes every perfect gift, including the gift of eternal life
through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Amen.
READINGS
Ae Fond Kiss by Robbie Burns, read by Revd Graham Osborne
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me.
I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy,
Naething could resist my Nancy;
But to see her was to love her;
Love but her, and love forever.
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met — or never parted —
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.
Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, enjoyment, love, and pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!
Ae Fond Kiss by Robbie Burns, read by Revd Graham Osborne
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me.
I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy,
Naething could resist my Nancy;
But to see her was to love her;
Love but her, and love forever.
Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met — or never parted —
We had ne'er been broken-hearted.
Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, enjoyment, love, and pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!
Sue Roberts read John 14: 1-6, 27
NIV version:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God; believe also in
me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if
that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to
prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be
where I am.
You know the way to the place where I
am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
TRIBUTES
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
TRIBUTES
From her niece Julia Murray, on
behalf of her and her brother Giles, read by Revd Graham Osborne
Firstly, I would like to say how sad we are that none of our family can be at this Memorial Service to celebrate our dearest Auntie Lorraine. However, we are there in spirit and grateful that these words can be read out on our behalf.
Auntie was a second mother to me and my brother Giles and we loved her very very much. She was there for us throughout our lives, for the seminal moments but also for the everyday.
When we were little she lived with us before she married Ken. She helped our parents organise our birthday parties, took us to meet Father Christmas and helped my Dad find the sold-out-everywhere-toy-of-the-year which my 5 year old self was desperate for.
She looked after us so our parents could take weekend breaks and, after we moved to Edinburgh, was a regular visitor who always showed her giving nature by insisting she treat us and take us to "shop until we dropped".
Auntie travelled up to St Andrews for both our graduations and I remember taking the train down to London with her after my brother's - I don't think we stopped chatting or laughing for the whole six hours! Before she got sick, Auntie would meet me in London for art trips to the Royal Academy, birthday teas at Fortnum's and walks along the South Bank. I loved these outings and could always count on her for a good gossip about what was going on in our family!
When I got engaged, even though she was sick and it wasn't easy for her, Auntie came with me to try on wedding dresses. At our wedding reception she sat on a chair right by the dance floor so she could be in the thick of the party, and when I had my daughters she took so much joy in hearing how the little scamps were doing and buying them presents.
She was the most generous person I know in all senses of the word - from showering us with gifts and helping our parents out when things were tough financially, to giving us her time and attention whenever we needed her, to providing unconditional love to our whole family.
Auntie always saw the good side to everything, was unwaveringly positive, and was so kind, not only to people she was close to but everyone she met.
Towards the end, when she was very sick, Auntie told me I was her soulmate and I couldn't think of a better way to describe our relationship. I loved her so very much and still catch myself wanting to pick up the phone and send her a million photos of my kids or tell her about some silly thing that happened that would make her smile. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her and I know that Giles, our Mum Leila, and our family in Australia, her brother Robert, his wife Janis, and their daughters Kristina and Lee-Ann, feel the same way.
Thank you for coming to celebrate our Aunt. We send all our love and strength to Ken and our thanks go to everyone who has helped to organise this ceremony.
School - Penny Smethurst
When Lorraine asked Meryl and me to talk about her career at Carshalton High School for Girls after she passed away we both felt very honoured and agreed immediately. However, as some of you will be aware, we felt it was important that such a well loved and respected colleague should be remembered by everyone. Therefore what follows is a compilation of some of the lovely memories we collected from all those students and colleagues who knew her at the school.
In her teaching, she shared her love of literature with her students. They enjoyed her lessons, and finding out you were in Ms Willmott's English group when the timetable came out was always greeted with enthusiasm.
After she retired she gave the Lorraine Willmott Prize for English, which was much valued by the students who won it.
However, Lorraine was no soft touch. If she found a class giving their teacher a hard time, she would simply enter the room and give them what students described as 'THE LOOK'. It worked every time and the girls respected her for it. She rarely needed to raise her voice.
Lorraine saw the school as a community. She would bring her faith to her work, sometimes joining a small prayer group to pray for the school and those in it before the day started. Her faith was embodied in all her attitudes and actions. As one colleague said recently, ‘Every workplace would be better for a Lorraine.’
Lorraine was very visible around the school. She was always beautifully dressed in lovely colours, always with her small shoulder bag. When we became a training school, she took a keen interest in the trainees’ progress - or 'the bairns' as she sometimes called them. She often stopped to talk to individuals to enquire how their lessons had gone and she always had time to encourage and to offer sound, practical advice.
Of course one thing we will always remember about Lorraine was her brilliant sense of humour. She could be genuinely very funny and always ready for a good laugh. Her performance on the dance floor to the Proclaimers hit I’m Gonna Be 500 miles was legendary.
I’m afraid some of us would occasionally wind her up a bit just to hear her exclaim ‘Oh Nooo’ and of course cool her pretended embarrassment with a flapping hand. She knew what we were up to!
Since we both retired, Lorraine and I maintained a close friendship, sharing a love of books and politics, putting the whole world to rights and laughing a great deal.
We all miss her very much.
SONG
My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose - sung by Eva Cassidy
TRIBUTES
Beading/Creativity: Carol Chandler
We are all here today to celebrate the life of Lorraine and to mourn her passing. Each one of us has their own special memory of this amazing lady. She was a lady! We will all have a picture in our head of Lorraine's love of colour and the coordinated outfits she wore. Purple mostly but in recent times, red, blue and wonderful green.
Lorraine and I go back almost 30 years. Our common joy was in our shared love of crafts. We both did cross-stitching when we met. We enjoyed attending various craft exhibitions in London and for a couple of years trips to Birmingham. Over 20 years ago we discovered beadwork and enjoyed our voyage of discovery together.
We used to bead together, share workshops and even the occasional extended workshop programmes. I remember a long weekend to Clacton to attend a workshop where she sat up long into the night to get a piece finished. Another occasion we had another week away in the depths of Essex on a sort of beading retreat which was a delight to us both.
We enjoyed being in each other's company and we talked, my, how we talked.
We never ever ran out of conversation. We were interested in each other's lives and what went into them.
She is greatly missed and I don't suppose we will ever meet such a wonderful person again. Lorraine, how we all miss you.
I love you with all my heart.
Firstly, I would like to say how sad we are that none of our family can be at this Memorial Service to celebrate our dearest Auntie Lorraine. However, we are there in spirit and grateful that these words can be read out on our behalf.
Auntie was a second mother to me and my brother Giles and we loved her very very much. She was there for us throughout our lives, for the seminal moments but also for the everyday.
When we were little she lived with us before she married Ken. She helped our parents organise our birthday parties, took us to meet Father Christmas and helped my Dad find the sold-out-everywhere-toy-of-the-year which my 5 year old self was desperate for.
She looked after us so our parents could take weekend breaks and, after we moved to Edinburgh, was a regular visitor who always showed her giving nature by insisting she treat us and take us to "shop until we dropped".
Auntie travelled up to St Andrews for both our graduations and I remember taking the train down to London with her after my brother's - I don't think we stopped chatting or laughing for the whole six hours! Before she got sick, Auntie would meet me in London for art trips to the Royal Academy, birthday teas at Fortnum's and walks along the South Bank. I loved these outings and could always count on her for a good gossip about what was going on in our family!
When I got engaged, even though she was sick and it wasn't easy for her, Auntie came with me to try on wedding dresses. At our wedding reception she sat on a chair right by the dance floor so she could be in the thick of the party, and when I had my daughters she took so much joy in hearing how the little scamps were doing and buying them presents.
She was the most generous person I know in all senses of the word - from showering us with gifts and helping our parents out when things were tough financially, to giving us her time and attention whenever we needed her, to providing unconditional love to our whole family.
Auntie always saw the good side to everything, was unwaveringly positive, and was so kind, not only to people she was close to but everyone she met.
Towards the end, when she was very sick, Auntie told me I was her soulmate and I couldn't think of a better way to describe our relationship. I loved her so very much and still catch myself wanting to pick up the phone and send her a million photos of my kids or tell her about some silly thing that happened that would make her smile. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her and I know that Giles, our Mum Leila, and our family in Australia, her brother Robert, his wife Janis, and their daughters Kristina and Lee-Ann, feel the same way.
Thank you for coming to celebrate our Aunt. We send all our love and strength to Ken and our thanks go to everyone who has helped to organise this ceremony.
School - Penny Smethurst
When Lorraine asked Meryl and me to talk about her career at Carshalton High School for Girls after she passed away we both felt very honoured and agreed immediately. However, as some of you will be aware, we felt it was important that such a well loved and respected colleague should be remembered by everyone. Therefore what follows is a compilation of some of the lovely memories we collected from all those students and colleagues who knew her at the school.
In her teaching, she shared her love of literature with her students. They enjoyed her lessons, and finding out you were in Ms Willmott's English group when the timetable came out was always greeted with enthusiasm.
After she retired she gave the Lorraine Willmott Prize for English, which was much valued by the students who won it.
However, Lorraine was no soft touch. If she found a class giving their teacher a hard time, she would simply enter the room and give them what students described as 'THE LOOK'. It worked every time and the girls respected her for it. She rarely needed to raise her voice.
Lorraine saw the school as a community. She would bring her faith to her work, sometimes joining a small prayer group to pray for the school and those in it before the day started. Her faith was embodied in all her attitudes and actions. As one colleague said recently, ‘Every workplace would be better for a Lorraine.’
Lorraine was very visible around the school. She was always beautifully dressed in lovely colours, always with her small shoulder bag. When we became a training school, she took a keen interest in the trainees’ progress - or 'the bairns' as she sometimes called them. She often stopped to talk to individuals to enquire how their lessons had gone and she always had time to encourage and to offer sound, practical advice.
Of course one thing we will always remember about Lorraine was her brilliant sense of humour. She could be genuinely very funny and always ready for a good laugh. Her performance on the dance floor to the Proclaimers hit I’m Gonna Be 500 miles was legendary.
I’m afraid some of us would occasionally wind her up a bit just to hear her exclaim ‘Oh Nooo’ and of course cool her pretended embarrassment with a flapping hand. She knew what we were up to!
Since we both retired, Lorraine and I maintained a close friendship, sharing a love of books and politics, putting the whole world to rights and laughing a great deal.
We all miss her very much.
SONG
My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose - sung by Eva Cassidy
TRIBUTES
Beading/Creativity: Carol Chandler
We are all here today to celebrate the life of Lorraine and to mourn her passing. Each one of us has their own special memory of this amazing lady. She was a lady! We will all have a picture in our head of Lorraine's love of colour and the coordinated outfits she wore. Purple mostly but in recent times, red, blue and wonderful green.
Lorraine and I go back almost 30 years. Our common joy was in our shared love of crafts. We both did cross-stitching when we met. We enjoyed attending various craft exhibitions in London and for a couple of years trips to Birmingham. Over 20 years ago we discovered beadwork and enjoyed our voyage of discovery together.
We used to bead together, share workshops and even the occasional extended workshop programmes. I remember a long weekend to Clacton to attend a workshop where she sat up long into the night to get a piece finished. Another occasion we had another week away in the depths of Essex on a sort of beading retreat which was a delight to us both.
We enjoyed being in each other's company and we talked, my, how we talked.
We never ever ran out of conversation. We were interested in each other's lives and what went into them.
She is greatly missed and I don't suppose we will ever meet such a wonderful person again. Lorraine, how we all miss you.
I love you with all my heart.
Church Life - Linda Hauxwell
As a worshipper at this church, I met Lorraine when she first came here in the mid 90s - we have been close friends and I miss her very much.
I used to write articles for our church magazine about people in our church family after having had very interesting interviews with them and I want to share what Lorraine told me about herself in September 2011. I asked Lorraine to tell me a bit about her background story and how she came to be in Leatherhead
She said: "Once upon a time in 1977, I left my small, Scottish, coastal town for the bright lights of the capital. I had come 'down South' to be a teacher with the Inner London Education Authority and I taught in city schools for 32 years. These were interesting and challenging times!
Although I loved working with young people and being Deputy Headteacher in a large secondary school, I decided that I wanted to spend more time with my husband and to use my creative skills in different ways and so I retired two years ago [2009].
My husband, Ken and I came to live in Leatherhead after our marriage in 1993 and we have enjoyed being so close to beautiful countryside and the natural environment. Ken is a lepidopterist and is well known nationally through his work with Butterfly Conservation. Butterflies brought us together as we met when I went along to the National Trust walk that Ken was leading on Bookham Common."
I asked Lorraine about what she did in church life?: "I began attending the Parish Church in 1994 and was a volunteer helper at the Communion service at Seeability [registered as the Royal School for the Blind] for some years and it was there that I became a Chalice Assistant.
When Seeability closed [in Leatherhead], I continued chalicing until I was asked to become a Server and I received certificated training at St. George's Church, Ashtead. I now serve at several services each month. I feel it is a privilege to serve the Church family in this way.
With more time available, after retirement, I agreed to become Sacristan at the Parish Church. I enjoy my weekly 'kirk duties' and I also have a greater awareness of the changing seasons and colours of the Church year. As co-leader of a small group and the Mothers and Toddlers Lent group and teaching in Sunday Club, I feel I can use my skills to try to enhance my own and others' journey of faith."
I asked Lorraine what she did in her spare time?: "I love beading and creating beaded jewellery, objects and pictures. I enjoy the challenge of understanding how to make a particular piece and choosing the colours and materials which result in artistic effects and interesting textures. Wholly Beaders, a beading group of interested Church members began in May 2010 and has contributed to Church life through creating various displays for church and supporting relevant charities. We meet each month and it gives an opportunity for fellowship as well as creativity. I also attend a Calligraphy class where we study then practise the different hands."
I asked Lorraine about some of her favourite things?: "My favourite pastime is walking with Ken and studying nature. I also like to visit art galleries with my niece, Julia. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is my favourite book; Runrig (a Scottish band) is my favourite music; haggis is my favourite Scottish dish and of course, Rabbie Burns is my favourite poet."
I asked her what makes you laugh?: "I like to laugh and a sense of humour has sustained me in difficult circumstances in my career and my personal life. The combination of love and laughter is the key to living happily ever after."
Since that article in 2011 Lorraine continued to be a much loved and valued member of our church family and an inspirational woman with many qualities which I want to share with you.
She will always be remembered for the warm and beaming smile which she gave to everyone.
She impacted people's lives in all sorts of ways but especially by coming alongside us with kindness and support; she loved greatly and cared deeply about everyone, always putting others before herself even when she was so ill.
As a teacher, she had the gift of encouragement, she seemed to find potential in everyone and wanted to help people to fulfil their potential. She was nurturing and attuned to people's emotions and needs, always there with wise words and thoughtful actions.
She was so kind and generous showing love to people in all sorts of ways from cards with words of encouragement or affirmation to perfect little gifts to just being available to give quality time.
I visited Lorraine lots during her illness and treasure those precious times we had together. She was interested in me, and totally uncomplaining about her health she was amazing with such a strong faith.
She was good to talk to about difficult decisions and worries but also had a fun and cheeky side to her. Lorraine used her teaching skills to lead Home Groups in our church and many of us have benefitted from her inspiring leadership, Bible teaching and prayer.
I co-led a group with Lorraine for many years and one of our group members said that she felt that the fruits of the spirit as described in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23 always shone through Lorraine's quiet demeanour - it says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.' Sooo Lorraine!
In Home Group we always had quite a giggle though about the fact that Lorraine always the teacher just had to give us homework!!
Lorraine was committed and reliable in everything she did; she had loved being a Sunday School teacher and helping with the kids' Summer Holiday Club. She enjoyed being church Sacristan, organising and looking after preparations for services although she had one or two hairy moments including once covering the Rector in red wine, which of course she handled with calmness and serenity.
She had also been a greatly appreciated member of the church council showing wisdom and integrity in discussions. She believed in using her gifts and skills to serve our church family.
As she mentioned in the interview, Lorraine started our church beading group called Wholly Beaders, and we were so fortunate that she shared her passion for creativity with us, always so patient in her teaching, inspirational with her ideas and generous with her time. Her passion for beading was infectious and she encouraged many newcomers to join the group and have a go.
It was a joy to see Lorraine in church every Sunday even when she was quite ill always looking beautifully dressed usually in purple with fabulous matching accessories made by herself. Lorraine had been on a difficult journey with her illness for over six years, which she travelled with great courage and positivity always believing and knowing that the Lord was alongside her.
As she said, Lorraine's husband Ken is a keen butterfly expert and Lorraine embraced the world of butterflies with him and created beautiful beaded butterfly artwork. Also buying him the butterfly shirt which he is wearing today. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ken and to Lorraine's family especially her nephew and nieces to whom she was devoted.
Lorraine was grateful for everything and Lord, we are grateful for having had her in our lives. Amen
PRAYERS concluding with THE LORD’S PRAYER
As a worshipper at this church, I met Lorraine when she first came here in the mid 90s - we have been close friends and I miss her very much.
I used to write articles for our church magazine about people in our church family after having had very interesting interviews with them and I want to share what Lorraine told me about herself in September 2011. I asked Lorraine to tell me a bit about her background story and how she came to be in Leatherhead
She said: "Once upon a time in 1977, I left my small, Scottish, coastal town for the bright lights of the capital. I had come 'down South' to be a teacher with the Inner London Education Authority and I taught in city schools for 32 years. These were interesting and challenging times!
Although I loved working with young people and being Deputy Headteacher in a large secondary school, I decided that I wanted to spend more time with my husband and to use my creative skills in different ways and so I retired two years ago [2009].
My husband, Ken and I came to live in Leatherhead after our marriage in 1993 and we have enjoyed being so close to beautiful countryside and the natural environment. Ken is a lepidopterist and is well known nationally through his work with Butterfly Conservation. Butterflies brought us together as we met when I went along to the National Trust walk that Ken was leading on Bookham Common."
I asked Lorraine about what she did in church life?: "I began attending the Parish Church in 1994 and was a volunteer helper at the Communion service at Seeability [registered as the Royal School for the Blind] for some years and it was there that I became a Chalice Assistant.
When Seeability closed [in Leatherhead], I continued chalicing until I was asked to become a Server and I received certificated training at St. George's Church, Ashtead. I now serve at several services each month. I feel it is a privilege to serve the Church family in this way.
With more time available, after retirement, I agreed to become Sacristan at the Parish Church. I enjoy my weekly 'kirk duties' and I also have a greater awareness of the changing seasons and colours of the Church year. As co-leader of a small group and the Mothers and Toddlers Lent group and teaching in Sunday Club, I feel I can use my skills to try to enhance my own and others' journey of faith."
I asked Lorraine what she did in her spare time?: "I love beading and creating beaded jewellery, objects and pictures. I enjoy the challenge of understanding how to make a particular piece and choosing the colours and materials which result in artistic effects and interesting textures. Wholly Beaders, a beading group of interested Church members began in May 2010 and has contributed to Church life through creating various displays for church and supporting relevant charities. We meet each month and it gives an opportunity for fellowship as well as creativity. I also attend a Calligraphy class where we study then practise the different hands."
I asked Lorraine about some of her favourite things?: "My favourite pastime is walking with Ken and studying nature. I also like to visit art galleries with my niece, Julia. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is my favourite book; Runrig (a Scottish band) is my favourite music; haggis is my favourite Scottish dish and of course, Rabbie Burns is my favourite poet."
I asked her what makes you laugh?: "I like to laugh and a sense of humour has sustained me in difficult circumstances in my career and my personal life. The combination of love and laughter is the key to living happily ever after."
Since that article in 2011 Lorraine continued to be a much loved and valued member of our church family and an inspirational woman with many qualities which I want to share with you.
She will always be remembered for the warm and beaming smile which she gave to everyone.
She impacted people's lives in all sorts of ways but especially by coming alongside us with kindness and support; she loved greatly and cared deeply about everyone, always putting others before herself even when she was so ill.
As a teacher, she had the gift of encouragement, she seemed to find potential in everyone and wanted to help people to fulfil their potential. She was nurturing and attuned to people's emotions and needs, always there with wise words and thoughtful actions.
She was so kind and generous showing love to people in all sorts of ways from cards with words of encouragement or affirmation to perfect little gifts to just being available to give quality time.
I visited Lorraine lots during her illness and treasure those precious times we had together. She was interested in me, and totally uncomplaining about her health she was amazing with such a strong faith.
She was good to talk to about difficult decisions and worries but also had a fun and cheeky side to her. Lorraine used her teaching skills to lead Home Groups in our church and many of us have benefitted from her inspiring leadership, Bible teaching and prayer.
I co-led a group with Lorraine for many years and one of our group members said that she felt that the fruits of the spirit as described in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23 always shone through Lorraine's quiet demeanour - it says 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.' Sooo Lorraine!
In Home Group we always had quite a giggle though about the fact that Lorraine always the teacher just had to give us homework!!
Lorraine was committed and reliable in everything she did; she had loved being a Sunday School teacher and helping with the kids' Summer Holiday Club. She enjoyed being church Sacristan, organising and looking after preparations for services although she had one or two hairy moments including once covering the Rector in red wine, which of course she handled with calmness and serenity.
She had also been a greatly appreciated member of the church council showing wisdom and integrity in discussions. She believed in using her gifts and skills to serve our church family.
As she mentioned in the interview, Lorraine started our church beading group called Wholly Beaders, and we were so fortunate that she shared her passion for creativity with us, always so patient in her teaching, inspirational with her ideas and generous with her time. Her passion for beading was infectious and she encouraged many newcomers to join the group and have a go.
It was a joy to see Lorraine in church every Sunday even when she was quite ill always looking beautifully dressed usually in purple with fabulous matching accessories made by herself. Lorraine had been on a difficult journey with her illness for over six years, which she travelled with great courage and positivity always believing and knowing that the Lord was alongside her.
 Ken, wearing his butterfly shirt, with some of Lorraine's sketches, beading and calligraphy |
 Lorraine in purple |
As she said, Lorraine's husband Ken is a keen butterfly expert and Lorraine embraced the world of butterflies with him and created beautiful beaded butterfly artwork. Also buying him the butterfly shirt which he is wearing today. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ken and to Lorraine's family especially her nephew and nieces to whom she was devoted.
Lorraine was grateful for everything and Lord, we are grateful for having had her in our lives. Amen
PRAYERS concluding with THE LORD’S PRAYER
Father in heaven, we give you thanks
for your servant Lorraine. We praise you as we recollect her life and
cherish her memory. We bless you that in bearing your image she has
brought light to our lives; for we have seen
In her friendship reflections of your compassion,
In her integrity demonstrations of your goodness,
In her faithfulness glimpses of your eternal love.
In her friendship reflections of your compassion,
In her integrity demonstrations of your goodness,
In her faithfulness glimpses of your eternal love.
Grant to each of us, beloved and
bereft, the grace to follow her good example so that we with her may
come to your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
died and rose again and opened the gate of glory, to whom be praise
for all eternity. Amen.
Lord God, creator of all, you have
made us creatures of this earth, but have also promised us a share in
life eternal. According to your promises, may all who have died in the
peace of Christ share with your saints in the joy of heaven, where
there is neither sorrow nor pain but life everlasting. Amen.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be
your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen
HYMN
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved,
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
COMMENDATION
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen
HYMN
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved,
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
COMMENDATION
Almighty God, in your great love you
crafted us by your hand and breathed life into us by your Spirit.
Although we became a rebellious people, you did not abandon us to our sin. In your tender mercy you sent your Son to restore in us your image.
In obedience to your will he gave up his life for us, bearing in his body our sins on the cross. By your mighty power you raised him from the grave and exalted him to the throne of glory.
Rejoicing in his victory and trusting in your promise to make alive all who turn to Christ, we commend Lorraine to your mercy and we join with all your faithful people and the whole company of heaven in the one unending song of praise: glory and wisdom and honour be to our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Although we became a rebellious people, you did not abandon us to our sin. In your tender mercy you sent your Son to restore in us your image.
In obedience to your will he gave up his life for us, bearing in his body our sins on the cross. By your mighty power you raised him from the grave and exalted him to the throne of glory.
Rejoicing in his victory and trusting in your promise to make alive all who turn to Christ, we commend Lorraine to your mercy and we join with all your faithful people and the whole company of heaven in the one unending song of praise: glory and wisdom and honour be to our God for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
Neither death nor life can separate us
from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant to us, Lord God, to trust you not for ourselves alone, but also for those whom we love and who are hidden from us by the shadow of death; that, as we believe your power to have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, so may we trust your love to give eternal life to all who believe in him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Grant to us, Lord God, to trust you not for ourselves alone, but also for those whom we love and who are hidden from us by the shadow of death; that, as we believe your power to have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, so may we trust your love to give eternal life to all who believe in him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The God of peace, who brought again
from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, make
you perfect in every good work to do his will; and the blessing of God
almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and
remain with you always.
Amen.
Amen.
Caledonia - sung by Dougie MacLean
The Primrose
Robert Burns
Dost ask me, why I send thee here,
This firstling of the infant year -
This lovely native of the dale,
That hangs so pensive and so pale?
Look on its bending stalk, so weak
That, each way yielding, doth not break,
And see how aptly it reveals
The doubts and fears a lover feels.
Look on its leaves of yellow hue
Bepearl’d thus with morning dew,
And these will whisper in thine ears
‘The sweets of love are wash’d with tears.’
Highland Cathedral
With thanks to Revd Graham Osborne
Richard Price, Organist
Sophie Walker, Sound desk
Donations can be made in memory of Lorraine to
WWF Tigers
Refreshments will be served in church
at the end of the service.
Richard Price, Organist
Sophie Walker, Sound desk
Donations can be made in memory of Lorraine to
WWF Tigers
Refreshments will be served in church
at the end of the service.
from Linda Hauxwell's tribute in an April 2020 issue of the Leatherhead Parish Bulletin: images not to scale Lorraine Willmott, a loved and valued member of our church family and an inspirational woman, died on 19th February 2020. She will always be remembered for the warm and beaming smile which she gave to everyone. Lorraine impacted people’s lives in all sorts of ways but especially by coming alongside us with kindness and support; she cared deeply about everyone, always putting others before herself even when she was ill. As a teacher, she had the gift of encouragement, she was nurturing always there with wise words and thoughtful actions. Lorraine had been a deputy head teacher and showed integrity in her leadership, she was a great person to talk to about difficult decisions and worries. |
 |
| Following her retirement from teaching, Lorraine started
our church beading group called Wholly Beaders. We have
met every month for the past 10 years and Lorraine enthused,
inspired and taught us to make beautiful beaded jewellery
and ornaments. She encouraged us to decorate a small Christmas tree in church with our handmade baubles, snowflakes, stars etc which looked beautiful. images: via Wholly Beaders |
  |
| Lorraine had many creative
gifts and we were so fortunate that she shared her passion
for creativity with us, always so patient and generous with
her time. Her passion for beading was infectious in encouraging people to try it; various members of Wholly Beaders had just got chatting to Lorraine while out and about or whilst looking at beading magazines in a shop and joined the group as a result of her enthusiasm. Doubtless they had also noticed the stunning jewellery which Lorraine was wearing!! Lorraine was sociable and friendly and encouraged many people to join Wholly Beaders. Lorraine also used her teaching gifts to lead homegroups in our church and many of us have benefitted from her inspiring leadership, Bible teaching and prayer. One of the members of her homegroup said she felt that the fruits of the spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23 always shone through Lorraine’s quiet demeanour .. ‘the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ |
 Cross for our departing Curate Kuhan |
Lorraine also helped with Lent groups and was thrilled when she was able to run a group specifically for Mums or Dads with small children and because we provided a creche she was able to give quality time to the parents for reflection and study as well as a lot of fun and laughter.
Lorraine was committed and reliable in everything she did; she had loved being a Sunday School teacher working with the children and helping with the kids’ summer holiday club. She enjoyed being church sacristan, organising and looking after preparations for services and had been a greatly appreciated member of the PCC.
It was a joy to see Lorraine in church always looking beautifully dressed usually in purple with fabulous matching accessories made by herself. Lorraine has been on a difficult journey with her illness over the past six years, which she has travelled with great courage and positivity always believing and knowing that the Lord was alongside her. Lorraine was grateful for everything and we are grateful for having had her in our lives.
Lorraine’s husband Ken is a keen butterfly expert and Lorraine embraced the world of butterflies with him and created beautiful beaded butterfly artwork. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken at this time. Also, to Lorraine’s family especially her nephew and nieces to whom she was devoted.
There will be a memorial service for Lorraine later in the year.
from the November 2021 Leatherhead Parish Bulletin
LORRAINE’S BEADS
On 30th October, a local beading group, Betchworth Beaders, held a
sale of Lorraine Willmott’s beads, books, magazines, cross-stitch
kits and other craft items that had interested Lorraine. At
her request, these were sold in aid of The Beadworkers Guild, a registered
charity dedicated to supporting and promoting the art of bead
weaving and open to bead workers and bead artists
everywhere. Lorraine had asked her good friend of over 30
years, Carole (who spoke at Lorraine’s service), to oversee this
for her. Members of beading groups from Leatherhead, Betchworth,
Findon and Milton Keynes were delighted to have helped raise well
over £700. It was a lovely opportunity to remember Lorraine in
this way.
Jane Haslam, for Wholly Beaders
If you have more photos of Lorraine or further remembrances to add, please contact Frank Haslam, the editor of these pages.
images: Haslam unless otherwise stated