Lorraine Carruthers

Lorraine Carruthers passed away on February 27, 2026 at the Trust Bridge Hospice Unit in Palm Beach Gardens. Born in Lilly, PA on March 8, 1935 she was the sixth of nine children, eight girls and one boy, born to Alphonsus and Bernedette Behe. Her childhood was spent playing with siblings, picking berries and helping in her father’s large backyard vegetable garden. With eleven people sharing a two-bedroom one bath house, tolerance and patience was learned at an early age. She had fond memories of gathering with her sisters each night in the bathroom talking and laughing. From an early age Lorraine was an avid reader and was always the last at night to turn the lights off because she was engrossed in a book. She attended Catholic grammar school and then graduated from Lilly Washington High School in 1953. After a five-year courtship, she married Tom Carruthers in 1958. They started life together in Silver Spring, Maryland then bought their first home in Clinton, Maryland. There they raised three children, Mary, Philip and Robert. Lorraine was a wonderful and loving mother and a trusted supporter of her children’s many activities. She was an excellent cook and was known for her “mock” recipes. Her Christmas cookie platters were a delight and created shared memories with family and friends. While she remained a homemaker for most of her life, she worked for a short time at the Census Bureau in Suitland, Maryland. Lorraine and Tom spent their retirement years in Davidson, NC. Like in all the places she lived, Lorraine gathered a circle of close friends. She enjoyed playing cards, mahjong, and golf. With a newcomers group, she was very proud to have hiked numerous North Carolina mountains. Her greatest joy though was living close to her grandson. She loved seeing him grow up, attending his school and sports events and hosting him and his many friends for sleepovers. Summers also brought time together with her cherished granddaughter. She was the best grandmother a child could have asked for. In their over sixty-five year marriage, Lorraine and Tom enjoyed travel to many places in the United States and internationally. Her favorite vacation spot was Bay Tree in Stuart, Florida. Lorraine is survived her daughter Mary Gaertner and her husband John; sons Philip and Robert and her adored grandchildren Drew (and wife Anna Munger) and Sophia. She also leaves behind three sisters, a brother and several generations of loving nieces and nephews. She always said her family, not just her own, but also her siblings’, were her greatest asset. Memorial contributions can be made to the employee fund at Watercrest Assisted Living where she spent her last several years or Trustbridge Hospice Foundation where she was cared for in her last days. The immediate family will hold a service at a later date. Contributions: Watercrest Assisted Living Trustbridge Hospice Foundation 13465 Pasteur Blvd 5300 East Ave. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Memo line – Employee Fund Memo line- Lorraine Carruthers

Lorraine Carruthers

March 8, 1935 - February 27, 2026