BOARDMAN — Lorraine Nelson was born to John and Martha Podolsky Martinko on July 9, 1955, and passed away peacefully Sunday, July 2, 2023, surrounded by so much love and family.
Lorrie had an amazing, faith-filled life. She grew up in Niles, attending St. Stephen Church and School and graduated from JFK in 1973.
Lorrie went on to get her BSN from College of Mount St. Joseph in 1977 and completed her MBA from Baldwin-Wallace in 1987.
Her work career included 15 years at Forum Health, and she retired from Salem Regional Medical Center as director of Compliance / Risk Management in 2020, after 14 years there.
Lorrie married the love of her life and best friend, Joseph Thomas Nelson, in 1994. Joe was Lorrie’s strength and support, holding her hand along the way.
Lorrie loved to cook, bake, entertain, drink Riesling and bring joy to others.
Lorrie was blessed with three grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Her family and friends made her happiest. She has many happy memories of special times spent with Susie, Abby, Ashley and Beth.
Lorrie was cancer-free for five years, following surgery, but it returned in the form of brain cancer.
Lorrie is survived by her husband, Joe; stepson, Nicholas (Stephanie) Nelson; grandchildren, Piper, Kaia and Tristan; sister, Janice Leskovec Steinmaus (Mike); brother, Charles Martinko (Peg Golick); in-laws, Rick (Brenda) Nelson, Kitty (Bob) Wiscott), John (Julie) Nelson, Susan (John) Ragan and George (Ada) Nelson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The special angels Lorrie leaves behind are Deanna, Jeanne and Linda.
Preceding Lorrie’s death were her parents; stepdaughter, Holly E. “Lady Jane” Nelson; and in-laws, Richard and Joan Nelson.
Visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2023, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Our Lady of Sorrows / St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St., Youngstown where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dorothy Day House, Our Lady of Sorrows / St. Matthias Church, or do a good deed in Lorrie’s memory.
(special notice)