Lorraine Grace (McDonald) McCleary

Lorraine Grace (McDonald) McCleary passed away on November 28, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born November 15, 1925 in Russell, Iowa to John and Grace McDonald. However, her strong Catholic Irish roots never left Melrose the Irish capital of Iowa where she grew up. She was one of two blessed twins, along with eight other siblings.

Lorraine was married to Laurence (Larry) McCleary on June 23, 1951. They raised six children in Des Moines, Iowa. Lorraine and Larry spent much of their time attending their children’s sports and other activities. Even with multiple children, Lorraine and Larry seldom missed an event. Due to Lorraine’s strong faith, all of the children attended All Saints School and were active members of All Saints Catholic Church. Lorraine was an active member of the All Saints Altar and Rosary Society.

Lorraine loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a serious, skilled card player and played multiple times each week. While she mostly played pitch, she also once won a Pinochle tournament. Mostly though, she enjoyed the camaraderie of playing with friends and family. She retired from the VA Hospital in 1987.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, her parents John and Grace McDonald, her twin sister Lucille Schmidt, her sisters Anna Marie Stone, Catherine Kondes, Helen Naughton, Margaret (Peggy) Barclay, and her brothers Edward McDonald and James McDonald.

Lorraine is survived by her children Grace (Doug) Meyer of Tonganoxie, KS, Grace’s children Jonathon and Wesley of Canon City, CO, Michael (Marsha) McCleary of Lakewood, CO, Mike’s children Timothy (Michelle) McCleary of Arvada, CO, and Lauren (David) Herbold of Moscow, ID, Tim’s son Declan, Lauren’s son Felix, Patrick McCleary of Des Moines, IA, Dan (Cindy) McCleary of Des Moines, IA, Thomas (Mary Jo) McCleary of Bondurant, IA, Tom’s children Isaac and Lydia, Marilyn (Rusty) Cook of Des Moines, IA, Marilyn’s son Joseph (Theresa) Wentland of Des Moines, IA, her sisters Mildred McClavy, and Janice Frederick.

Visitation will be at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by rosary at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at All Saints Catholic Church. A lunch reception will follow the mass in the church hall. Lorraine will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions on Lorraine’s behalf to All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Special thank you to Dr. Martin Mortens and all at the Mercy Clinic who provided great care for Lorraine.

Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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