Loraine McClure

Loraine McClure, February 3, 2018

McClure, Loraine, age 86 of Plymouth passed away February 3, 2018.  Cherished mother of daughter, Debbie Carver and son, Larry Carver.  Beloved grandmother of Megan (Dan) Burdziak and late grandson, Todd Carver.  Proud great-grandmother of Connor and Jacob Burdziak.  She leaves behind many other loving family members and countless friends.  She remained a lifelong friend to ex-husband and father of Debbie and Larry, Calvin Carver, until his death in 2001. Loraine was born December 14, 1931 in Johnson City, Tennessee to Myrtle and Clarence Miller.  She had 7 siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. 

In a working career that spanned nearly five decades, Loraine first held a series of entry-level jobs but found her calling in the Printing and Publishing Industry where she initially worked as a Bookbinder at Helm, Inc., was a member of Graphic Communications International Union and served as Union Steward.  After a number of years of working in the bindery, Loraine took a position with the union.  She eventually worked her way up to the positions of Bookkeeper and Secretary and was the first woman elected Union President and served in that capacity the last four years of her career until her retirement in 2002.  As President, Loraine never backed down from a fight to protect the rights of her union members and always had their best interest at heart.  Whether negotiating for higher wages, better benefits or solving a problem for a union member, she was always on the side of right.  She earned the respect and trust of both management and labor and her integrity was unimpeachable; above all, she was fair.  No matter how difficult the issue, you could always count on Loraine for the truth.

Loraine was ambitious and liked to stay busy.  While working, she continued her education at Henry Ford Community College.  She was always eager to learn new things and accept new challenges and made it a point to learn something new every day. 

Loraine loved to read and among her hobbies were writing stories, quilting, working crossword puzzles and was practically unbeatable at Scrabble.  She enjoyed cooking and trying out new recipes and watching baseball, MSNBC, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and reruns of Columbo, Matlock and The Andy Griffith Show.  She was an active member of Victoria Chapter, #290, Order of the Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Matron.  She was completely unassuming and always willing to help out in any way she could and continued to serve her chapter as Treasurer.  Loraine loved her family and was dearly loved by them.  She enjoyed spending time with her family as well as her many friends.  Her kids still remember the blueberry pie a’ la Mode from Carden’s Restaurant which was a special treat they enjoyed in leaner times.  She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and tell jokes and make others laugh.  She was considerate, caring, kind, warm, loving, sincere, giving and generous.  She believed in people and never gave up on them.  Despite health challenges, Loraine remained optimistic and upbeat.  She was a beautiful person.  Loraine touched the lives of so many people and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Memorial Visitation will be held at

Fred Wood Funeral Home-Rice Chapel

36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan)

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Visitation 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM;

Sharing of Memories begins at 12 PM

Memorial contributions may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorials Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN  38105-9959

or

Shriner’s Hospital for Children

2211 N. Oak Park Avenue

Chicago, IL  60707

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