A life of loyalty

WHEN Lorraine Stanley was just a teenager she ventured out of Healesville and took a boat to Adelaide.
As the many family and friends heard in a moving tribute to Mrs Squires by her son-in-law Daniel Hunt, it was an early insight into the Healesville born and bred Lorraine’s adventurous spirit.
Born on 5 July 1935, she was the eldest of Pixie and Geoff Stanley’s four children – Lorraine, Tony, Marlene and Trevor.
It wasn’t unusual for children, especially the older children in a family, in those days to leave school early. Lorraine started work at French’s Laundry when she was 14 and had other jobs, all of which assisted in caring and providing for her sister and brothers.
When she was 25 she met Jack Squires. Love blossomed and they were married in 1963.
There was another man in Lorraine’s life, however.
“Whether it was music or memorabilia, Elvis has always been a part of Lorraine’s life,” Mr Hunt said.
Nobody who knew Lorraine would have been surprised to hear Elvis crooning “Are You Lonesome Tonight” as they gathered at St John’s Anglican Church in Healesville to farewell one of his most ardent fans.
Painting a picture of a loving wife, mother and grandmother, Mr Hunt said Lorraine was passionate about family and had endless photos and home videos recording many happy times.
Shopping and travelling were natural extensions of the adventurous spirit she never outgrew.
She loved a bargain and the Boxing Day sales were a favourite and well-planned-for event.
“Shopping with Lorraine was not for the feint of heart or those planning a lazy afternoon stroll,” Mr Hunt said.
“As Jack will testify, you had to be a fit person.”
Travel was an exciting part of the Squires’ life from annual winter trips to South Australia to visit relatives to summer holidays in Rosebud and later on world tours to the United Kingdom, America, Canada and Alaska.
Lorraine was a keeper of things. Along with the photo albums, spoons and other mementos of her travels the Squires home seemed likely to burst at the seams with all sorts of “special somethings” tucked away as reminders of events big and small.
An outgrown doll, a playhouse or book were invariably kept for the next generation to enjoy.
Although Lorraine was never cured of the travel bug, she wasn’t quite so keen on moving house.
After moving to Upper Yarra where Jack was caretaker at the Upper Yarra Dam for seven years, they Squires moved back to Healesville and built their home in Badger Creek Road.
Mr Hunt said when Jack organised a move to the Board of Works house at Maroondah Dam Lorraine objected.
“When it came time to move back to Badger Creek Road, that move too was fiercely resisted,” he said.
Healesville was home and Lorraine was a popular and active player in her community.
She was involved in Probus and the Senior Citizens Club, the Ladies’ Guild, Historical Society and Garden Club, a walking group and over the years had always played a role in local stalls and fetes.
Her community extended worldwide through her many long-time penfriends.
Mr Hunt said Lorraine was a loving, caring and trustworthy person who could be relied on when asked for help to come through with practical assistance and time for a cup of tea and a chat.
“She made her mark quietly and with no fuss,” he said.
Lorraine Squires’ sudden death was a shock to her family and many friends and she will be sadly missed.
She is survived by her husband Jack and their daughters Leeanne and Tracey, her mother Pixie Stanley and eight grandchildren.
Lorraine’s second daughter Sharon predeceased her.