Billie "Lorraine" Cann, 83, formerly of Libby

Surrounded by family, Billie “Lorraine” Cann died peacefully at her home in Sedro Woolley, Wash., on May 14, 2013.

Lorraine and her twin sister, Bobby “Loretta” (Vowels), were born on July 21,1929, to the late Zephaniah “Jack” and Tinsy Poston in Potlatch, Idaho, where they grew up, attended school and graduated from Potlatch High School with the Class of 1947.

At 10, Lorraine met Lloyd “Buzz” Cann who would later become the love of her life. She and Buzz were married in 1947 and celebrated their 65th anniversary in October 2012.   

In 1951, they moved to Libby, where they spent the next 57 years raising their family, working and retiring, before moving to Sedro Woolley in 2008. While raising their three children, Lorraine operated a yarn shop from their family home and also taught knitting classes.  

In 1968, she began working for the Montana Driver’s License Bureau in Libby, before accepting a position with the Lincoln County Treasurer’s Office in 1969.  She remained employed there until her retirement as Chief Tax Clerk in 1990.

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband, Buzz, of Sedro Woolley, Wash.; son, Michal (Sue) Cann of Sedro Woolley, Wash.; daughters, LaBeth Spain (late husband, Lester), of Ferndale, Wash., and Peggy (Richard) Greer of Fortine; as well as grandsons, Bruce (Krissa) Cann, Dan (Stephanie) Cann, Rod Cann, Doug (Rachel) Cann, Wade (Darlene) Spain, James (Allegra) Spain and Allen Greer.

She leaves behind her twin sister and best friend, Lorretta Vowels of Spokane, Wash.;  brothers-in-law,  Eugene “Gene” Hill, John McRell; and sister-in-law, Ann Poston. Lorraine’s extended family also included her nieces, nephews, their spouses, children, great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren.  Although far too numerous to name, she knew and loved them all. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Tinsy Poston; brothers, Jim, Larry and Bruce Poston; sisters, Eunice Getz, Jackie Strom and Patty Hill; as well as her step-father, Earl Rector.

Lorraine kept in contact with her extended family throughout the years.  As nieces, nephews or their spouses would lose their own parents, Lorraine would often step in and try to help fill the void by being a confidant, a good listener and a friend.

Lorraine’s passion in life was spending time with her husband, her immediate, and extended family. She had many fun trips with Buzz, her children and friends in a red and white 1948 Missoula city bus that she, Buzz and close friends Al and Wanda Croucher converted into a camper.  

After their retirement, Lorraine and Buzz were able to enjoy many good times together traveling and being involved with their children and grandchildren through all their many activities.

Lorraine, a cancer survivor, became actively involved in the Libby Wings organization for many years; a local group devoted to providing financial assistance and dedicated to helping local cancer patients.

She was always there when a friend was ill, had lost a loved one or simply needed support.  She was an extremely loving and caring individual who, despite her busy schedule, always had time for others in need. 

One of her favorite pastimes was to rock babies and she eagerly took the opportunity to do so whenever she could with her seven grandsons and 11 great-grandchildren. She was looking forward to meeting, and rocking, her new great-grandchild (a girl, Adeline, born in June) and her first great-great grandson, Ezra.

At Lorraine’s request, no funeral services will be conducted at this time.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The family is so thankful for Hospice of the Northwest whose love, care and expertise for the entire family was outstanding. If anyone wishes to make a donation in Lorraine’s memory, the family would suggest Hospice of the Northwest, P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, Wash., 98273 or the Wings organization through the First Montana Bank, 504 Mineral Ave., Libby, Mont., 59923.

 Lorraine’s loving and caring spirit is eternal; she will never be forgotten and will forever live in our hearts.