Lorraine A. Nook

June 16th, 1923 - October 29th, 2011

Lorraine A.'s Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Lorraine A. here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

It is difficult to imagine the world with out Lady in it. All of the students you taught, all of the hearts you touched along the way and all of the joy your brought whether it was on stage, in your classroom or just chatting on your couch - you were truly a one of a kind. Your home was always open and each of us knew we had a place where we would be welcome, safe or wanted. To a teenager that can be everything. To all of the Nook family, thank you for so generously sharing your mom with us over the years. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts. Your mom was an icon that will live in our hearts forever. Hugs from the Adler/Fasel Family

Karyn Adler Fasel

To the Nook and Hamlin families:
We were so lucky to have such an incredible lady with us. She was so proud of her family. We would sit and she would point to her wall of fame and explain what each of you were up to, and then she would move on to the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. She took such joy in your love and thought she had the most perfect family possible.
I will miss her wisdom and advice. There was never a time when I had a problem that she didn't listen lovingly and share her vast experience without judgement. She was one of the biggest influences on my life. She was my mentor and a true friend. She always saw the best in me and encouraged me in everything I've done since I was sixteen years old. The world just won't be the same without her. I just know how much she loved her Larry, how she missed him and prayed for him everyday. God in his infinite wisdom has rewarded her and that their two souls are finally reunited.
Thank you Lorraine, I feel so honored to have been your friend. I got so much more than I gave. I'll never forget all you taught me about teaching, being a wife and mother and how to live my life.

Now she belongs to the angels.

Elizabeth Goodwillie Koutny

Mama Nook was a wonderful woman.. We had a lot of good times in the years I worked for her..But I must say CHristmas shopping for all you KIDS was not much fun! But she so loved it and WE spent hours wrapping each gift and then she made her special bows! She sure loved her family and friends so dearly. She will surly be missed here in South Haven .. I think Karyn Adler said it best in her note to the family. I will keep you all in my prayers . Love to all of you.. Rhonda

Rhonda Thompson

I'm not really sure where to start. I do wish that I had half the energy that Mrs. Nook had. Growing up with her kids, same class with Tom, I had many opportunities to visit their home. Everyone visited the Nook household. I'm not sure she really knew how many kids she had with all the comings and goings. Great memories, great family. Mrs. N. always had a kind word to say and she always took the time to talk "to" you, no matter how long it took, every time you needed her. She will be greatly missed, and I just want to celebrate the long, memorable times we all had. Way to go. Lots of love coming your way.

Dean Buck

Mama Nook was my best friend my senior year in high school; I suppose she was that to many people! She was encouragement during a difficult time in my life, and continued to care for me when I left the state for college. Each time I came home, I spent time with family... and Mama Nook! When I got married five years later, my first thought was to have her as my Maid of Honor, but she ended up pouring coffee instead... more "seemly" for a "senior" friend! Her love was unconditional, and carried me (and many others) through transitional years. I know she is delighted to be re-united with the love of her life... thanks to God for her life, and thanks to her family for sharing her with so many of us who loved her and needed her!

Carol Matthews Hochhalter

To the Nook family,
I am so sorry to hear of "Mamma Nook's" passing. She was a REMARKABLE woman. I not only had her for a couple of classes while in high school but I was one of the MANY students who was so honored to be under her direction in many plays and musicals at LC Mohr High School. One thing that I always remembered and that I still use to this day, is that she told us at every performance "if you are not nervous, you will not do your best!" And she is TOTALLY right! I even have passed these words of wisdom on to my sons. South Haven has lost a remarkable lady, but her love for community and theatre will live on. May she rest in peace and she is now in the presence of the Lord and now with her beloved husband. May you all find strength in each other and may God wrap his loving arms around each of you at this time. God Bless you Mamma Nook, gone but never forgotten!
Georgia Dulik-Lyons and the entire Dulik Family

Georgia Dulik-Lyons

What sad news this is today, but what wonderful memories just thinking about Lorraine! Being a classmate of Nancy's since 1st grade at St. Basil's, I had the pleasure of knowing her as a "mom", then as a director and teacher in high school, and finally as my mentoring teacher when I came back to SHHS to student teach. She set the standard for the warm, caring teacher that I have tried to exemplify in my own teaching. She not only opened her mind and heart up to her students, but her home as well. What a blessing God gave to all of us whose lives she touched. My heartfelt condolences to you, Nancy, and all of your brothers. She is finally with her beloved Larry.
Sincerely, Bev, Louisville, KY

Bev Sherman Edwards

We have lost one of the greatest ladies South Haven has ever seen.
But as she left, she also left such a rich heritage for our town, our school hallways, class rooms and auditoriums. Who will ever forget those curtain calls with Mama Nook smiling as big as all outdoors - and thunderous applause, because every parent, grandparent and classmates there knew what she had done for their young stars... it didn't feel like she expected one to bring talent, but to bring an interest, a spark, a love of theater, and we'll find the talent.
And she'd work kids hard, and work with them sweetly, and polish them until they shone. We are all richer for having known her. Sail on Mama Nook, Sail on.

Charley Soukup

We will always remember Lorraine not only for the fabulous person she was but because our first date was at her house on Cass St. It was a party after a musical. We always had fun teasing Lorraine about it and giving her the credit for us getting together! What a great teacher she was! Always so happy to see you and wanting to know what was going on with your life. Together with Mike Listiak and Roger Dehn Lorraine was a major part of a most unique era of music and the arts in South Haven.

Jim and Jane (Arkins) Bauschke

My heart grieves with each of you and your families, Joe, Tom, Chuck, John, Jim, Pat, and Nancy,at the loss of our dear "Mama Nook." During high school, "Mama" directed and guided me in plays, musicals, classes, and life. Throughout the years since high school, she has been not only my mentor but also my friend and guide through my career as a theatre/drama and English teacher. She always kept her positive attitude and endless energy, and I thank her for every moment she shared with me. I will mourn her loss along with you, and I pray you will find comfort knowing how many lives she touched through her life. She lives on in each of you and your children as well as in the many "children" she accumulated along her way. God bless each of you in the days ahead.

Linda Stieve3

I am truly blessed for having known and worked with Mama Nook. It is because of her enthusiam, passion and love of the theater that I became so involved. I, too, learned to share her love of this wonderful art form. Thank you, Mama Nook, for teaching me that life isn't always about being center stage. She was a great lady who never shied away from showing any of us how
to act, sing, dance, build a set or just plain act silly. To the Nook family - you have my deepest sympathy. While our theater lights on earth have dimmed a little, I know that Heaven just cast a new leading lady.

Tim Greenman

We want to extend our condolences to all the Nook family members. Lorraine was quite the woman. She was influential in so many lives and leaves her imprint across the country in the hearts and minds of those she touched throughout the years. She was a devoted mother who raised some very accomplished and successful children.
Patty and I are proud to call Chuck and Debbie our good friends. May Lorraine's wish to always do good deeds for others and her positive spirit live on in all of us.

Rayno And Patty Seaser

Forever in my heart, Mama Nook will be. She was my first director and mentor for acting, of which I have chosen a career in. I would not have the love I have for performing and creating, had it not been fostered and acknowledged by her. She will always be remarkable, loving, caring, inspirational, wherever she goes. And since I'll always have a part of her in my heart, I consider myself pretty lucky. Love to her amazing family and all who knew Mama here on this lil' ol' earth.

Ashley Hale

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR MOM,
Our hearts and minds are flooded with so many wonderful memories of our family holidays. You taught us all the true meaning of Christmas through your love and generosity. Christmas time always had such a special meaning for you....the major void we feel this year without you will be comforted in the memories of our family Christmas cards, your passion of decorating and baking and your love of opening our home to so many.
Mom, we miss you and love you lots and know you are now an ANGEL of God. May your path above guide us below. Love to Dad, Mike and all of our relatives.
Love Always - Nancy and "The Boys"