Stories About Lorraine
There’s Something About that Name - "Mother Superior"
by Marilee Cole
25 years ago this wonderful lady came into my life. Little did I know how much she would bless me with her friendship and her love for sewing.
Lorraine Kimmel was there to greet the retreat sewers for the first time. Her smile and enthusiasm was all one needed to feel welcome and right at home. She had us all organized in no time. The cabins were assigned and the sewing classes began.
The sliver hair, cut in a page boy with one side pulled up and clipped with a barrette, was striking and calming. She had this glow about her; almost heavenly. Lorraine became my “Mother Superior”. I can’t remember what year I started calling her “Mother Superior”, I just knew the name was a perfect fit. And so did everyone else.
Over the years I have organized fabric trips to Portland. 3 days of exploring material stores and spending money on fabric. “Mother Superior”, Peggy Garber and I were the first time trippers. “Mother Superior” knew all the place to go and how to get there. We never got lost! To this day I still wonder how she could remember all those directions she gave me. I still need someone to lead me around!
There was a very special Portland trip that I will never forget. “Mother Superior” was with us. We were a group of more than 3 to say the least. After a long day of shopping, we decided to go to Safeway Deli, pick up dinner and take it back to the Hotel and show off all the fabric each one had purchased. “Mother Superior” was in line to pay for her food, I just happened to yell her name, “Mother Superior”. The gentleman right behind her was so excited. The Priest was about to meet a Mother Superior! Little did he know that she wasn’t really a Mother Superior. The Priest was so sure that Lorraine was a Mother Superior that there was no way she was going to convince him other wise. And I of course just walked away and let “Mother Superior” be a Mother Superior.
Lorraine will always be “Mother Superior”. There’s something about that name that truly has inspired each and everyone that has had the privilege to know her.
I am also blessed to have a collection of her dolls. Our first Show and Tell at the sewing retreat, she showed a Santa. Funky Father Christmas is what Santa became. He comes out every Christmas, along with the other 24 Christmas dolls. Santa’s of all shapes and sizes, a Fallen Angel, reindeer, and elves adorns my house. The sprit of “Mother Superior” shines through each and every doll.
Thanks “Mother Superior” for blessing me with friendship.
Marilee (3/8/2009)
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