Lorraine Brown Newgent, 97 years old, of Fairview Heights, IL, born May 21, 1925, in East St. Louis, IL, was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Lorraine’s big heart for helping others was exhibited through her nursing career. She was delighted that her passion for making a positive impact on people’s lives through nursing was shared by her daughter, Marcia, and her beloved daughter-in-law, Jill.
She graduated from the Christian Welfare Hospital Nursing Training program in 1947 as a Registered Nurse. Lorraine later returned to school and received a BA degree from McKendree College in 1978. She started her nursing career as a pediatric care nurse at the Centerville Hospital in Centerville, IL. After getting a taste of hospital nursing, she began working as a nurse for E. St. Louis, family practice Dr. Richard Osland. Lorraine’s (second) love of driving, convinced her to adjust her career path and begin working as a visiting nurse with the St. Clair County Visiting Nurses Association. Lorraine completed her nursing career as a School Nurse for East St. Louis School District 189, specializing in assisting students with special needs.
Lorraine was an active member of the Edgemont Bible Church in East St. Louis and later in Fairview Heights. In recent years, she attended the Winstanley Baptist Church in Fairview Heights.
Lorraine was a long-time member of the O’Fallon Illinois Chapter of the Toastmasters International, eventually being elected as the first female District Lieutenant Governor.
For many years, as a part of the Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program, Lorraine extended her passion for working with the youth of the community as a public speaking instructor for the Fairview Heights Police Youth Academy Program.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Newgent; her mother, Leone Crick of East St. Louis; her father Clyde V. Brown of Morganfield, KY; her brother V. Elwood Brown; and her great grandson, William Roscoe Newgent.
She is survived by her children, Deborah A. (Dan) Carter of Springfield, IL, Marcia J. (Dirk) VanBeek of Frankfort, IL, and William C. “Bill” (Jill) Newgent of Millstadt, IL; her grandchildren, Erin (Jarrod) Darling, Brian (Allison) Field, Tiffany (Matt) Triemstra, Drew (Allison) Newgent, Daniel (Lisa) Newgent, David (Jessica) Newgent, and Derek Newgent; 7 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lorraine enjoyed telling stories, loved all things pink, and was known for her yummy pies. Her legacy of hard work, organization, respect for others, and trusting God as our guide for life will live on in her children and grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Fairview Heights Police Department Youth Academy Program or the Downs Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis – Brentwood, MO.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Pastor Chris Smith officiating. Interment will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
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