Lorraine Helen Zain

Lorraine Helen Zain (nee Haddad) was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 17, 1929 to Abraham and Rezma (Kamel). Her father was an immigrant from Syria and her mother was born in Grand Rapids soon after her parents immigrated from Syria. The middle child of three children, she was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School and worked many years at the old Pantland Hotel as a bookkeeper.

It was at a church convention in Grand Rapids, that she met her future husband, Mansour George Zain. George and Lorraine were married on April 16, 1950 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. The couple remained in Grand Rapids to raise their family, having celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just prior to George’s repose in June of 2020.

As they grew older, George and Lorraine would spend the winters in Marco Island, Florida, enjoying each other’s company along with that of their many church friends and relatives who would also reside there in the winter. Lorraine continued to spend the last three winters there surrounded by her children and grandchildren throughout her stay. Everyone knew Lorraine as a kind and stately lady who prided herself on making sure every detail was meticulously done properly and on time all the way up until the day of her passing.

Lorraine also faithfully served St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church for decades serving on the Ladies’ Guild and in other capacities, but most importantly instilling her faith in her children, the youngest of which would become a priest. She was a member of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the charitable arm of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, and worked tirelessly making the salad for decades for the annual church dinners.

Lorraine reposed on Saturday, May 13, 2023. She is survived by her four children: Patricia (Richard) Neuman, Douglas (Tonia), Stephen, and Fr. Thomas (Claudia). 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive her. Lorraine’s parents and brothers, Robert and William Haddad, predeceased her.

Funeral arrangements are scheduled at St. Nicholas Church: 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Wednesday, May 17: Viewing from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and again at 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 18: Viewing at 9:00am following by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. The funeral will be live-streamed via the church website at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church.

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