Loraine T. Perry

Loraine T. Perry (nee Moehnke) was born January 16, 1921 in Rochester, Minnesota.She died peacefully at Charter House on June 21, 2015 at the age of 94.Loraine lived with her parents Albert and Ella and her younger brother Merle. Loraine attended Rochester public schools. She met her husband, Dr. Harold Perry, in high school.They were married August 27, 1944 and maintained their strong partnership for 68 years.Loraine was a steadfast support to Harold during his career at Mayo in ways both large and small: packing his lunch every day, entertaining clinic staff and visitors, joining him on his travels, and serving as his confidant and sounding board. Loraine resided in Rochester her entire life, leaving briefly to live in Oakland where Harold was stationed in the Navy. Loraine and Harold raised four children together. They created strong family ties grounded in togetherness, respect, hard work, and tradition. Holidays were always special times thanks to Loraines thoughtful and extensive preparations.She was an intrepid shopper who was adept at finding exactly the right gift for each recipient.Her spare closet collected gifts throughout the year so that she was prepared for any occasion.Loraines family also looked forward to her oyster stew, popcorn balls, and cookies at Christmas.She prepared baked eggs at Easter and a masterful Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings. Loraine was also a generous and loyal friend.She enjoyed her bridge group and developed deep and enduring friendships lasting for decades with neighbors and other wives of Mayo staff members. Loraine was well-known for her skills as a hostess.She entertained Mayo Dermatology residents, foreign visitors, her bridge club, or small family gatherings with the same attention to detail. Guests always left the Perry home filled with delicious food and fond memories. A tribute to Loraine would not be complete without honoring her gifts as a cook. She was featured in the Post Bulletin decades ago for a pizza recipe she prepared when entertaining. Loraines delicious cuisine was savored by anyone fortunate to sit down to one of her memorable meals. Her children and grandchildren especially remember the following culinary delights: Armenian rice, cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, beef tenderloin, ham dinner, baked chicken, enchiladas, steam pudding with satin sauce, bread and butter pickles, fried zucchini, German sweet chocolate cake, and apple pie. Loraine enjoyed family gatherings at Half Moon Lake.Trips to the cabin seemed to necessitate that the entire back seat of the car was filled with fresh produce from Loraines garden.Delicious meals materialized while the rest of the family was down by the lake.Although meal preparation and chores took up much of Loraines time, grandchildren could always look forward to a stroll on the road to look for wildflowers or berries. Loraine was also a good sport through rousing rounds of Thumper, or quieter games of Old Maid, Candy Land, or Double Solitaire.Loraine could be counted on to purchase artwork from some of the older grandchildren who eagerly sold their masterpieces to Grandma for a dime.She often encouraged young helpers to pull up a stool and assist with food preparation.A more recent addition to cabin recreation was an evening of Bingo with special prizes supplied by Loraine. Loraine was preceded in death by many in her family, including her infant daughter Brenda and most recently by her beloved husband Harold in 2013.She is survived by her four children: Preston, Oliver (Susan), Ann, and John (Joslyn).Loraine also leaves fond memories with her eight grandchildren: Nicole (Brion) Bawek, Brenda (Frank) Leto, John O. Perry, Erica (Shawn) Koval, John Onwualu, James Onwualu, Kirsten Wilson, and Reid (Chrissie) Perry.Loraine is also survived by her great grandson, Riley Bawek. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Charter House in Rochester, MN.Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Charter House.Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff on the 4th floor Supportive Care Unit at Charter House.Loraine received care that was competent, loving, attentive, and personal. Mere words are inadequate to thank this exemplary group. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Harold and Loraine T. Perry Endowed Scholarship Fund in care of RCTC Foundation, 851 30th Ave. S.E., Rochester, MN, 55904