Lucy Lorraine Palewicz was born July 1, 1928 in the Town of Glenwood to Victor James and Emma (Gillis) Palewicz. Lorraine passed away peacefully, at the age of 95, on April 26, 2024 at Park View Home in Woodville, WI surrounded by family, after a short illness.

She was baptized and confirmed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glenwood City, WI. Lorraine grew up during the Great Depression and World War II and attended school in Glenwood City, graduating with the Class of 1946. She participated in band, library club and cheerleading during her high school years.
Lorraine Palewicz married James Thomas Ross on Sept. 9, 1950, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Glenwood City, WI. They made their home in Glenwood City ever since. Lorraine and Jim also began farming in 1956 on the old Joe Palewicz Farm on North Syme Ave (presently owned by Kim Moe) until they purchased the William Berends farm, a few miles north of town, in May 1964. Lorraine and Jim eventually moved back to town in 1979 to their home on First Street, where Lorraine lived until moving to Park View Home on April 26, 2023.

Prior to her marriage, Lorraine worked in Glenwood City at the Drug Store. After marriage, and once the children were older, she worked for other Main Street businesses including Hemness-DeSmith Dept. Store (formerly Red Owl), Troutman’s Star Market, and Murkley’s General Merchandise. She was involved for decades in the local Bloodmobile, as a worker and a donor. She was involved in the Glenhaven Auxiliary for many years as well as various roles at St John the Baptist Catholic Church including Religious Education Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Council of Catholic Women, Prayer Chain and Church Choir. She was the recipient of the Pax Christi Award in 1995, for her many years of faithful service to her local parish. She was also a prayer warrior and prayed the rosary for many years.

Lorraine’s family meant everything to her and she was affectionately referred to as Gram Lucy by her grandchildren. She was a very witty person and didn’t lose that in her final weeks. She was a wonderful cook, baker of cakes, pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies galore and her famous banana bread. She shared her baking with family, friends and neighbors. She was also a seamstress, crafter and gardener/preserver of fruits and vegetables. She also had a special love of flowers of every kind both in her gardens, as well as in her home. Her other hobbies were feeding and watching the songbirds in her backyard (cardinals being extra special), reading magazines and watching Lawrence Welk and Dancing with the Stars on TV.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim, son-in-law Robert Rose, grandson Michael Thomas Ross, grandson-in-law Ronald (Clem) Anderson, brother Robert (Mary Lou) Palewicz, sister-in-law Lorraine Palewicz, sister-in-law Mary Ross, brothers-in-law, John Ross and Patrick (Kathleen) Ross and nephews James Palewicz, Steven Patrick Ross and nieces, Martha Palewicz and Michelle DeGross.

Lorraine is survived by nine children: Patrick Crimmings (Thomas Wilson) Grays Lake, IL, Thomas (MaryAnn) Ross, Glenwood City, Robert (Susan) Ross, Hammond, William Ross, Glenwood City, Jean Rose, Glenwood City, Joan Ross, Glenwood City, Judith (John) Ganong, Wheeler, James (Terri) Ross, Glenwood City, and Lori (Dennis) Cress, Hammond. She is further survived by 20 grandchildren: Paula Anderson, Joseph Ross, Melissa Ross, Jeffrey Ross, Brandi (David) Caress, Bridget (Nick) Curvello, Bill Ross Jr, Blake (Ashley) Ross, Marissa (Hope) Savaria, Ryan (Andrea) Luepke, Scott Luepke (Lindsey Tudahl), Maria Luepke (Charles Beam), Jim Ganong, Jeremy Ganong, Jeannene (Shea) Smiskey, Rachel (Max) Ross-Farmer, Rhonda (Cody) Ninneman, Richard Ross, Kyle (Kylie) Cress and Kalli Cress. She is further survived by 35 great-grandchildren with 2 due later this year and 4 great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin, WI from 4-7 PM on Thursday May 2, 2024. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Glenwood City on Friday May 3, 2024 with Father John Long officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Glenwood City. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.