Amherst, Colonel Lorraine DuBois Goodrich, USMC (Ret.) of Woodbridge, VA passed away on May 16, 2018.

Born in Northampton MA, she was raised in nearby Amherst, the youngest of four daughters. She sang a lead in her high school Sound of Music production. She was a pianist and self-taught organist, playing for several years at a local church. She was chosen to reign as Miss Amherst in 1965. After graduating from Amherst Regional High School in 1965, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in German Language and Literature from UMass-Amherst in 1969. Lorraine joined the Navy in 1970, transferring to the U.S. Marine Corps a year later. After retiring from active duty as a Colonel, she joined the reserves until her final retirement.

Lorraine possessed a deep awareness of the great plusses in her life – her family, life long friends, new friends, professional successes, her home and adored VW Beetle convertible (!), the appreciation and recognition from others, and animals that responded to her gentle touch.

Lorraine shared her life with a number of quirky kitties – with an array of personalities. When they weren’t drinking from a dripping faucet or sleeping in a wash basin or salad bowl, they were piled not just on her bed, but on her! All her many cats had been strays, abandoned in all kinds of weather and states of health. She accepted their gratitude and affection — and gave freely of hers.

Lorraine will be remembered as smart and witty, sassy and playful, truly patriotic, unfailingly supportive, and possessing a heart of gold. She gave so generously of her time, resources, attention, and love to all who needed her: family, friends, favorite charities, and her many cherished adopted cats – indeed, all creatures in peril.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Profs. Charles Nelson DuBois and Marron Shaw DuBois, both of Amherst MA, and sisters, Charlotte (Anne Lattimore) DuBois Elfe of Columbia SC, and Jacqueline (Marron) DuBois Gentl of Salem MA. She is survived by her sister Valerie (Norcross) DuBois Jhaveri and her husband Arun of Seattle WA, and many adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews around the world.

Lorraine, you have touched so many hearts that grieve at your passing. You are and will be sorely missed, you most – caring, most – lovable of people. Rest easy, dear one. 

Burial with full military honors will be October 2, 2018, 9:00am in Arlington National Cemetery.