Lorraine Marie Jerkatis, age 81 of Broomfield, CO, formerly of Charlevoix, MI, passed away to the loving arms of Jesus and their Blessed Mother on December 27, 2025 after a sudden and brief illness. Lorraine was born on March 12, 1944 in Grand Rapids, MI to Alexander and Catherine (Bochniak) Gabert. Lorraine was the middle child of 5 girls. Lorraine grew up near many of her West Side, Polish relatives and always spoke fondly of her childhood interactions with them. Lorraine’s Catholic faith was very important to her and she attended Mount Mercy Academy, an all girls Catholic high school. She wasn’t a fan of academics, but was a very hard worker. Beginning at 14 years old, she worked after school in food service at the Pantlind (Amway Grand Plaza) Hotel. 

Lorraine seriously considered becoming a nun like a couple of her maternal aunts, but God had a different vocation in mind for her. Lorraine worked in the mortgage industry after high school and again until retirement, though in between was essentially a stay-at-home mom. She met the love of her life, James Jerkatis, while volunteering for the Civic Theater in Grand Rapids. That’s when she became “Sweet Lorraine” (and later had a sailboat named after her). Jim and Lorraine married on June 4, 1966. She donated her wedding dress to nuns to make their vows of Holy Orders. From the marriage, Jim and Lorraine were blessed with 2 children, Stephen Alexander and Julie Ann. Lorraine was a selfless mother and always put her family first. She worked part-time at their elementary school for a few years as a hot lunch lady and the staff and students loved her. Her family was her life, especially her grandchildren whom she adored beyond measure. She will forever remain in their hearts. 

Lorraine was a friend to many. Her outgoing personality and genuine love for people curated a long list of fans. She had no problem talking to strangers and was always genuinely interested to learn about others. Her lighthearted personality enabled her to laugh at herself, and she never tired of sitting with people and visiting for hours. If it wasn’t in person, she had no problem talking on the phone for long lengths of time. 

Lorraine loved the beach and was particularly fond of Lake Michigan. She and Jim honeymooned in Grand Haven, MI and she often went there on Sundays as a child with her family. She loved her Charlevoix home’s proximity to the Big Lake, and really missed it when she moved to Colorado in 2020. However, she thoroughly enjoyed residing at The Avenues and cherished the many friendships she made while living there. Her apartment had a sunny southern balcony, and she took time to notice and appreciate how, according to her, the clouds in Colorado seem to differ from those in her home state. 

Life in Colorado provided abundant joy for Lorraine. She loved playing pool and various games with her Avenues friends, visiting with her church friends, playing Chinese checkers and sharing meals with her grandkids, going to the Broomfield Senior Center for lunches, and living close to Julie and Eric for impromptu visits. Always wanting to be helpful, even doing dishes after family meals and jam making brought happiness to her life. 

Surviving Lorraine are her daughter Julie (Eric) Thompson of Broomfield, grandkids Montana (Lucie, fiancé), Sophia (Conall), and Audrey (Coy, significant other), and sister Christine Budnick of Waxhaw, NC. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great friends, and siblings-in laws also survive. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Jerkatis, husband James, sisters Judy Vandervate, Rita VanAntwerp, and Janie Secord, as well as her parents. 

Per Lorraine’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will plan a celebration of life in early March featuring some kind of desserts, as she was quick to admit she loved sweets. If so desired, donations may be made to St. Mary School, 1005 Bridge St., Charlevoix, MI 49720