Zagorski, Lorraine

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Lorraine Dorothy Carlson Zagorski on Friday, July 3, 2020. She passed away peacefully with her daughter in law, Jane, by her side, after complications from heart disease. She was 78 years old.

Lorraine was born to Alice (Edlund) and Fred Carlson on October 19, 1941 in Bronx, NY.  She was fortunate to grow to adulthood at the same address she was born into. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith and was a devoted parishioner her entire life, serving the Lord through many committees and acts of generosity that benefited her neighbors.  Lorraine spoke of times when she traveled to Europe, to Sweden, to visit family there.

Lorraine was dedicated to her career with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and her work spanned decades before her retirement in 1995.  It was during this time that she found love with Walter Theodore Zagorski and married him on October 9, 1988, with all of their loved ones present, at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on McGraw Avenue in the Bronx.  

Lorraine enjoyed her close family, especially her cousins, Helena and Gurley.  She held a close relationship with both ladies, traveling with Helena and enjoying her Red Hat Society membership with Gurley. Through her stepchildren Lorraine was able to delight in grandchildren, and she loved every single one of them, making sure to attend as many baptisms and confirmations and graduations as possible.  She always shared pictures and stories about her family with others.

 Lorraine and Walter lived a full life together at Lake Wallkill, in Sussex, NJ.  Lorraine held many positions on the board of the Lake Association, and was always involved with one project or another. She was well known at the Lake and was very social. It was a special time of card parties, regattas, and Halloween celebrations. Lorraine thrived in her environment.

Four years ago they moved from their home in New Jersey to Rochester, NY and a lovely home in a retirement setting.  A year ago a move to an assisted living facility was warranted due to declining health for both Lorraine and Walter. Although health concerns prevented them from traveling and seeing most of their family members these last few years, the phone was used often to communicate with everyone.  Lorraine continued to enjoy a social life, gaining new friends and brightening lives right up until her death.

Lorraine made many friends throughout the years, each one so precious to her. We have heard many compliments of how she was a great listener, a problem solver, a genuine woman among women.  A firecracker when things needed to be accomplished. She will be missed, but we know that one day we will see her again.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Fred Carlson, and her cousin Gurley Dieckman

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Walter Theodore Zagorski; cousin Helena Rotzal and her husband, Hank; stepchildren, Walter Jr and his partner Terri, Glen and his wife Jane, Janice and her husband Kenny.
Lorraine is also survived by her loving grandchildren, W. Adam, Matthew ( Jade), Leah ( Mike), Justin ( Elizabeth), Zachary, Catherine ( Shane), Kenneth III, Joshua, Morgan, Hannah and her great grandchildren, Nathan, Leah Ansley, Caleb, Clarissa, Ava, Andrew, Johnathan, Nathan, Tyler and Jackson.


A Remembrance Service will be offered at a future date.  Condolences may be sent to Janice Topping 674 Vaughn Road Hudson Falls, NY 12839.  We ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity.