SALEM, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Lorraine Michele (Stevens) Brinker, 78, a longtime resident of Salem, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

She was born on November 29, 1945, to the late Phillip and Verna (Lippiatt) Stevens in Salem, where she grew up surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

Lorraine was a proud graduate of West Branch High School, Class of 1963, and went on to lead a fulfilling career as a dedicated secretary. Her professionalism and warm demeanor left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. Lorraine’s life was a testament to her loving, kind, and thoughtful nature, which resonated deeply with her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

On May 29, 1971, Lorraine married her beloved husband, Robert Brinker, with whom she shared over five decades of loving marriage. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including their children Dale (Shirley) Brinker and Shawn (Mark) McAninch.

Lorraine was a pillar of strength and love for her family, always guiding them with her wisdom and grace.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert; her loving children, Dale and Shawn; her caring sisters, Sandra Herman and Kay Csehill; her adored grandchildren, Rowen, Jennie, and Atlee Brinker, Malachi (Kymberly) Kaiser, Zachary, Brenden, Michael McAninch, Jessica (Josh) Eaton; and her precious great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Layla Eaton.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Verna Stevens; her brothers-in-law, Paul Herman and George Csehill; her sister-in-law, Judy Brinker; and her in-laws, Herm and Jean (Sample) Brinker, all of whom she remembered with love and fondness.

Lorraine’s interests were a reflection of her adventurous and warm spirit. She loved animals, with a particular fondness for horseback riding, which brought her immense joy and a sense of freedom. Her love for the outdoors extended to camping trips, where she created lasting memories with her family. Lorraine was also an avid reader, finding solace and excitement in the pages of her favorite books. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, and her love for Western movies was well-known, often sparking lively discussions and shared laughter.

Those who knew Lorraine will remember her for the love she readily gave and the care she took in nurturing the relationships in her life. Her presence was a comfort, her laughter a joy, and her advice a guiding light. Lorraine’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her memory will be cherished forever.

Services are pending.

The family requests memorial contributions be made in Lorraine’s honor to the Church at the Center, 1785 S. Lincoln Ave. Salem, Ohio 44460 or to the family to help defray expenses.

You may view the obituary and sign the guest register online at www.brownfhonline.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Salem, 330-337-6363.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lorraine (Stevens) Brinker, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air July 7 at the following approximate times: 6:27 p.m. on WYTV and 6:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.