Lorraine C. Rickelman

Lorraine C. Rickelman, 90, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Delmar Gardens North in Florissant, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna, and her sister Norma. Lorraine is survived by her brother Edward and sister Jo Ann. Lorraine lived a very full 90 years. She always said that she was going to live to be 100, but didn't quite make it that far. A member of the 1946 DePaul School of Nursing, she devoted her life to the nursing profession. Her adventurous nature led her to Juneau, Alaska and Hawaii to work as a R.N., before these territories were states. Years later she said her Hawaii was ruined by commercialization. She worked in Detroit in the early neonatal units aiding in the understanding of Rh factors and optimal oxygen levels for incubators. Back in St. Louis, she enjoyed working the emergency room at St. Louis County Hospital and became the Head Nurse of the ER at County Hospital. While working full time in emergency room she enrolled at St. Louis University and achieved a B.S. in nursing after years of being a part-time student. Before retiring from nursing, she also spent some time working in the neurology unit. Her care and concern for others was always evident. After retiring she enjoyed volunteering for the National Park Service at the information booth at the St. Louis Arch and Old Court House. Local history was her forte. In her free time at she worked on family genealogy and reading mystery novels. She collected bells and stuffed bears. She loved traveling and toured Europe, England and Ireland with her sister Jo Ann. They rented cars and drove all over Italy, Germany, England and Ireland when it wasn't really fashionable for women to be traveling alone. She also made many car trips in the U.S. and Canada. Her community contributions included serving on the Board of Directors of the Jamestown Association and the the New Horizons Therapeutic Riding Associations. In her parish she served as secretary of the St. Angela's Seniors Club. She always considered herself a "country person". Her rural living style, passion for pets, wildlife and environment shined. Just before her death, she was making plans for a wild flower garden. Perhaps the best way to remember Lorraine is that she was a faith filled Catholic her entire life. Family and friends will miss her. Memorials may be made to the family, St. Angela Merici Church or School, or St. Louis University Mass will be 10 am, Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 3860 North Highway 67, Florissant MO . Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery., Florissant.

Lorraine C. Rickelman

January 7, 1926 - January 22, 2016