Lorraine Marie Hangartner, known to family and friends as Lorraine, passed away on July 24, 2026, in Killeen, Texas, at the age of 75. Born on December 14, 1950, in Montclair, New Jersey, she lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast devotion to others, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her. She was a Christian whose faith was an important part of her life, and she faced her final days with the same grace and dignity that characterized the rest of her journey. 

Lorraine was the beloved daughter of Stanley Paluba, who preceded her in death, and Ann Paluba, who also preceded her in death. She was the cherished sister of Carolyn Gutkowski, who also preceded her in death, and Maryann Kuhn. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Cathryn Hangartner and Maryanne Kane, and a proud grandmother to Alexander, Elaina, Oliver, Mathew, and Madison. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews who will remember her with affection and gratitude. 

Lorraine’s family was central to her life, and she carried her love for them with her in all that she did. A woman of learning and purpose, Lorraine earned a degree in History from Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey. Her education reflected her curiosity and appreciation for the stories of the past, qualities that were also evident in the thoughtful way she approached life. She valued knowledge, conversation, and the simple joy of reading, which remained one of her favorite pastimes throughout her life. Lorraine devoted much of her working life to serving others as a Home Health Aide. In that role, she was known for the great care she gave her patients and for the compassion she brought to each home she entered. She treated those in her care with patience, respect, and kindness, and she understood the importance of helping others maintain comfort and dignity. Her work was not merely a job to her, but a calling that reflected her gentle nature and her sincere concern for people’s well-being. 

Those who knew Lorraine would describe her as gentle and a problem solver, a combination that spoke to both her tender heart and her practical abilities. She had a way of making others feel at ease, and she was often the kind of person people turned to for reassurance, help, or a steady hand. Her presence was calming, her manner unassuming, and her care genuine. She brought warmth into the lives of those around her, often in quiet ways that left a lasting impression. Lorraine enjoyed reading, and through books she found both pleasure and reflection. Whether reading for knowledge, comfort, or simple enjoyment, she appreciated the companionship of a good story and the opportunity to learn from the lives and ideas of others. In many ways, her love of reading complemented her thoughtful nature and her lifelong interest in the world around her. 

She will be remembered not only for the roles she filled in life, but for the character she brought to each one. Her life was a testament to the value of compassion and the quiet strength found in everyday acts of care. Lorraine Marie Hangartner’s life was one of devotion, faith, and love. Though she has departed this life, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her daughters, grandchildren, sister, extended family, and all who were blessed to know her. May she rest in peace.