BURLINGTON – Lorraine Sibley, 79, lost her courageous battle with cancer Nov. 2, 2011, at Penobscot Valley Hospital. She was born March 3, 1932, in Orono, daughter of George and Bernice (Morrill) Buraby.
Lorraine attended schools in Lincoln and joined the work force at some of the local retail stores. Her favorite pastime as a young adult was roller-skating. Lorraine’s most rewarding job was at Penobscot Valley Hospital in the dietary department, where she was forced to retire in 1978 after her first diagnosis with cancer. The friendships she made at the hospital were long lasting. Each time her illness forced her back to the hospital she was welcomed by the entire staff as a returning friend. A special person and close friend, Betty Leighton, helped and supported her through her long illness. After her retirement, her husband of 44 years, Philip, and she started a business raising German shepherds and pug puppies. They were known statewide for the quality pups they raised. Lorraine cherished her family and enjoyed the times they spent together. She loved children and animals; seldom did you ever see her without a few of each on her lap. The fondest memories in her life were with her grandchildren, with whom she spent a great deal of time. Lorraine and her daughter shared a special bond – they were truly best friends. Lorraine will be sadly missed by all who knew her for her loving heart and her generosity towards others.
Lorraine is survived by her husband, Philip Sibley of Burlington; a brother, James Buraby of Scarborough; two children, Rick DeWitt of Burlington, and Sue (DeWitt) Dufresne and husband, Marc, of Burlington; two grandchildren, Kevin Dufresne and his wife, Kathleen, and their son, John Marc “Jack” of Bangor, and Katie (Dufresne) Birtz and husband, B.J., and their son, Brycen, of North Carolina; and three stepchildren, Kenneth Sibley and wife, Diana, and their sons, Kenny, Ben and Scott, Debbie (Sibley) McIntyre and husband, Richard, and their sons, Philip and David, and Karen Sibley and her two daughters, Nora (Gifford) Shorey and husband, Josh, and their children, Maria and Emma, and Carla Carr. She was predeceased by her parents, George “Wink” and Bernice “Bun” Buraby of Lincoln; and her children’s father, Donald DeWitt of Danforth.
A celebration of life gathering will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Burlington Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at
www.clayfuneralhome.com.