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Lorraine Dorothy (Spellich) Richards, 92, a longtime resident of Dollar Bay, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Lorraine was born on July 11, 1932 at home in Dollar Bay, Michigan to the late John and Bernadine (Stahl) Spellich. She attended Dollar Bay Schools, graduating in 1951. Following graduation she worked for Dr. Paul Sloan as a receptionist in Houghton, Michigan.
On July 3, 1954 she married Donald C. “Shorty” Richards. They made their home and raised their family in Dollar Bay, Michigan. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before Don’s passing in 2016.
Lorraine enjoyed gardening and raising flowers, baking and decorating cakes, and it’s said, she made the best pasties in the Copper Country.
She was an avid bowler for many years bowling locally and participating in out of state tournaments, earning a high game of 248.
Lorraine and Don were fans of Dollar Bay basketball even years after their children graduated. She was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and their Altar Society, and a member of Runeberg Lodge in Dollar Bay.
Preceding her in death were her husband Don, brothers John and Norbert Spellich and sisters Margaret Anderson and Francis Hunter, and son-in-law, Brian Premetz.
She is survived by two sons and one daughter,
Robert (Carrie) Richards of Houghton, Betty Premetz of Green Bay, and Glenn Richards of L’Anse; nine grandchildren, Lauren (Brent) Hanson, Callen (John) Metsaars, Helen (Kyle) Fiebernitz, Tracy (Mike) Bacos, Craig (Emily) Premetz, Lara (Don) Tetreau, Elisabeth Aman, Charlie Richards and Samantha Richards, 13 great grandchildren and a 14th arriving soon, one brother Bob (Shirley) Spellich of Sheboygan, WI and one sister Doreen Smith of Jackson, MI and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank Canal View assisted-living for Lorraine‘s care in her final months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Dollar Bay, Michigan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Dollar Bay with Rev. Fr. Romeo Capella to officiate. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton. Friends may call from 10:00 until 10:45 A.M. at the church before the mass on Saturday.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldneeisfh.com.
