Lorraine Dempsey, 81

On July 23, 2017, Lorraine Dempsey of Kalispell “decided to take a nap. When she woke up, she woke up in a new, bright beautiful place.

She had found her way to heaven. Instead of being in a small room, she woke up surrounded by friends and family — friends and family who had patiently waited her arrival; back with her husband Bill Dempsey who had preceded her; greeted by her mother Hazel and her father Neal Sheridan; grandchildren Shayde and Cassie Jo smiling and reaching for her hands. Lorraine was greeted by a large crowd,” because she had impacted so many people during her time on earth.

Lorraine was born to Hazel Lillian Johnson and Neal Sheridan on Dec. 24, 1935, in the town she called home for most of her life — Kalispell. She had a love of life and a love of music that led her to a skating rink in Lake Blaine in May of 1952. She was still in high school at the time, as was the young man she met that day, a young man who shared her love of life and music. His name was Wilbur “Bill” Dempsey, and it was love at first sight. They were married two months later, and remained together until Bill’s passing in August of 2015. The family is so happy that they are together again, just hoping they have music and roller skates in heaven.

She and Bill had three children, Dorrie, Debbie and Bill. Those three blessed them with grandchildren that they loved and adored. Dorrie gave them LauraLea, Shayde and Trisha. Debbie added Tory and Jason. Bill blessed them with Brianne, Billy, Nicki and Cassie Jo. Shayde and Cassie Jo left this earth early in their lives, but were there to greet their grandmother at her journey’s end. The others, including son-in-laws Greg Johnson and Mike Stone gave her and Bill too many great-grandchildren to list.

While those in heaven are rejoicing, those of us left behind are grieving. We hope to stop the grieving in September of this year with a memorial gathering at Little McGregor Lake. That was one of Lorraine’s final wishes. Friends and family are all invited. Information on the celebration of life will be forthcoming. Lorraine and Bill want their ashes, and the ashes of Lorraine’s dear mother Hazel united forever. The family will make sure they are together forever, on earth as they are in heaven.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.