Lorraine C. Duke Obituary

Cremation will take place. For those wishing to honor Lorraine's memory, donations to the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen (https://soupk.org) are welcome. The family would also like to invite family and friends to share a personal memory you have with Lorraine here.

Lorraine Clare Duke, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on February 18th, 2025. She was a cherished mother and grandmother, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Lorraine was born on February 23, 1938, in Hong Kong, where her father was a missionary. She grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and lived most of her adult life in southwest Michigan.

Lorraine was always passionate about equity and social justice. The words of John F. Kennedy inspired her: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.". She and her former husband, Martin Duke Jr., enrolled in the Peace Corps and spent three years on the small island of Chuuk in the South Pacific, where they helped build and support the establishment of a school. Lorraine returned to the United States inspired to become a teacher.

After completing her master's degree in Education from Western Michigan University, Lorraine wanted to teach at a school where she could make the greatest difference. She became a preschool teacher in the city of Benton Harbor, which had one of the highest poverty rates in the state of Michigan. Lorraine's classroom was a magical place for children to learn, filled with books and learning activities, as well as chicken eggs hatching, caterpillars transforming into butterflies, and pea shoots sprouting from seeds. Lorraine knew she could not change the underlying problems faced by children and families in the city, but she was determined to give the children in her classroom a good year and the best possible start to their education by instilling an early love of learning.

Lorraine was active in her church and volunteered in her local community. She loved a card game (especially if she won), celebrating with her family and friends, and any reason to say Skol. Her family is extremely proud of the positive impact she had on the people around her. She was a beautiful and caring soul.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Dawn (Steve) and Martin (Lisa) Duke, and her four grandchildren, Maya, Callum, Søren, and Finn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Aalbue and Iola Brenne, as well as her two sisters, Iola (Wahli) and her twin sister, Lorna.