Lorraine Annette Mahrt

Lorraine Annette Mahrt passed away on March 14, 2019, entering her eternal home to join her late husband Robert Eugene Mahrt and her late son Robert Edward Spencer.

Lorraine was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 1925, and grew up on the city's South Side. In 1936, she boarded a train to California with her mother and settled in Wilmington, where she attended Banning High School. After the outbreak of World War II, she went to work as a Rosie the Riveter, putting all of her 4'11" frame to work operating a rivet gun. Lorraine often told stories about life during wartime, and was particularly amused about the times she and her mother would break curfew to drive through the streets during ordered blackouts. Lorraine went on to complete the studies she put on hold during the war, proudly earning her diploma in 1969 at the same time her daughter Susan graduated from Millikan High School.

She married Bob Mahrt in 1962 and they embarked together on a life of adventure and dancing. They made lifelong friends through round dancing, gathering several nights a week with local round dancing groups, and traveling to participate in competitions and exhibitions. Lorraine enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her friends and family. Card games and dinner parties were regular events in her house. Lorraine and Bob traveled across the country and around the world. When Bob passed away in 2007, her adventurous spirit did not wane; she visited Australia and New Zealand; she often visited Las Vegas, and she took several memorable trips with her grandson Greg. She loved Long Beach and called it her home for nearly 70 years.

Lorraine is remembered in life by her daughter Susan Blair, son-in-law Joe Blair, and grandson Greg Blair. She will be celebrated as a sweet, loving, caring mother and grandmother with unmatched determination and strength of will. A memorial service will be held on April 8 at 2 p.m. at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N Studebaker Road, Long Beach.