Lorraine R. Humbert

Lorraine M. Humbert, age 94 of Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday afternoon, December 19, 2023.

Our Gramma Lorraine (also known as “Mom” or “Great-Gramma (Grammie)”) has always said her secret to long life was “clean living.” Lorraine drank little, never smoked, was always punctual, and was a devout Catholic up until the time of her death.

As a child of the Great Depression, Lorraine was no stranger to hard work and creative solutions. There was nothing she could not do. She canned, cooked, baked, kept house, hung wallpaper, painted, laid tile, crocheted, made porcelain dolls, helped with homework (for multiple generations of family), shopped for necessities, reupholstered furniture, made ornaments and decorations, was a proficient bookkeeper for the Humbert (Hastings) Dental Office (retiring at the young age of 87), cross-stitched, did Word Finds, read, mended, played the organ, bowled, and provided the glue that kept our family together. She attended every event her children and grandchildren ever had, and showed love for her family and community through good works. “Help is a verb” is a family motto.

She was also a fiercely loyal friend, with some friendships lasting from her childhood to the day she died. One thing that bothered Lorraine about her long life was outliving so many of her friends and family. She was the last of eleven Henry and Bernadina Rolfzen children, in life and in death.

Her greatest joy, aside from being with family and friends, was sewing. From dressing her children and grandchildren to creating beautiful quilts, Lorraine spent many a happy hour in her sewing room or piecing things together on the living room floor. She created her own patterns for dance costumes based on concept art, and would frequent craft fairs for inspiration for her next projects.

Lorraine was a proud founding – and now last – charter member of the Regina Hospital Auxiliary. Well into her eighties, she volunteered at the annual bazaar fundraiser hosted by the group. She also contributed to the auxiliary’s cookbook. While the book has not been available for decades, we have decided, as a family, to share some of her baking recipes with those who attend her funeral.

Gramma Lorraine is survived by her children Stephen (Lynn) Humbert, Michael “Mick” (Rita) Humbert, Suzanne “Suzi” (Jamie) McNamara, and Mary Kay Humbert; ten grandchildren; and almost fourteen great-grands.

The family would like to thank Regina Hospital and its staff. It is only fitting that after her many years in the auxiliary, she received such compassionate care there days prior to death. We would also like to thank Starkson’s, Allina Hospice, the Hastings Emergency Personnel, and the Rice and Waldera families – her neighbors who watched over her with such incredible care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and to a reception immediately following the burial, all at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Common Hope's medical and dental programs, a non-profit organization that was close to Lorraine's heart.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.