Lorraine Freeman, 81, of Willowbrook, formerly of Hinsdale, died peacefully July 14, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at Loyola University Medical Center.
Born in 1940 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Leon and Dorothy (Norris) Morningstar, Lorraine grew up on a farm in Lisbon, Iowa.
After attending the University of Iowa, Lorraine received her degree in fine arts from Drake University in Des Moines, where she was a member of Delta Phi Delta honor art fraternity. She moved to Chicago to start her long and fulfilling career as a talented graphic designer. For many years, Lorraine co-owned and managed a small advertising agency and used her creativity and design skills to produce compelling print advertisements for classic brands such as Yamaha and Steinway Pianos. Her keen, artistic eye has enhanced branding for the Chicago Maritime Museum and numerous convention and visitor bureaus with everything from newsletter design to signage to advertising. A big supporter of the arts and conservation efforts, Lorraine also worked with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and enjoyed planning and managing special events and fundraisers for these deserving organizations that were near and dear to her heart. She sat on the board of CMM and ESO and also was a special advisor to the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation.
In addition to her professional expertise, Lorraine was a seasoned sailor who once owned the beautiful 40-foot Cheoy Lee Off Shore sailboat "Morningstar" that was custom-made in Hong Kong. A member of the Columbia Yacht Club, she was also the first female member of the Chicago Yacht Club.
Lorraine traveled the world and took fabulous photos of amazing places to share with her family and friends. A favorite trip was to Australia and New Zealand with Keith and Jo and long-time business partner and best friend, Robert "Bob" Link.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Keith (the late W. Joan Erickson) Morningstar; and an infant sister, Dorlene.
Lorraine is survived by her nephews, niece, great-nephews, great-nieces and their children, Doug (Mary) Morningstar, Joey (Kelcie) Morningstar, Erin Morningstar, Caleb (Chloe Zahrt) Morningstar, Marie, Grace and Ben Morningstar, Scott (Jacquelyn) Morningstar, Meegan (Kyle) Englund, Ryan Morningstar (fiancé Arin Strasburg), Callie Morningstar, Madelyn Morningstar, Amy (Dale) Winslette and Wyatt and Jesse Winslette.
A celebration of life will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at Mount Vernon Creates, 121 First St. West, Mount Vernon, Iowa. Attendees will be invited to share memories of Lorraine at 3 p.m.
Per Lorraine's wishes, a Chicago celebration of life is being planned for spring 2022, and details will be shared once available.
Memorials can be made out to the Lorraine Freeman Memorial Fund and sent to P.O. Box 397, Lisbon, IA. Please note if the gift should be designated to the Lisbon United Methodist Church, the Lisbon School Fine Arts Department, the Chicago Maritime Museum, or the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. Her family will ensure the funds are dispersed accordingly.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
