| From The Oregonian, September
6, 2009
McCameron, Dorothy Lorraine
87 02/18/1922 08/31/2009 Dorothy Lorraine McCameron was born Feb.
18, 1922, in Hoquiam, Wash., and passed peacefully from
complications of congestive heart failure Aug. 31, 2009, in
Gresham. Prior to moving to Portland, where she resided more than
60 years, she lived in northern California and graduated from
high school in Palo Alto.
She enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps
March 8, 1943, and was honorably discharged Sept. 10, 1945,
having attained the rank of sergeant E-4. She served with Company
H 2nd HQ Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall,
Arlington, Va.
Lorraine was extremely proud of her family's USMC
history; three generations, five members. Lorraine was preceded
in death by her parents, Clyde and Lula (Mickey) Coats; and
husbands, Lloyd Coffman, Dean Mickels and George (Mac) McCameron.
She is survived by her son, Michael (Cheri) Coffman; brother,
Wayne (Lou) Coats; sister, Ardell (Ted) Kochel; three
grandchildren, Kevin, Jamyca and Ryan; and four
great-grandchildren, Kaiya, Riley, Henry and Grant.
Everyone should have the boundless energy and motivation of Lorraine . she
hit the ground running every day! In addition to her
time-consuming hobbies of sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, cake
decorating and candy-making (to name a few), she belonged to
several military organizations which include the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, American Legion, AMVETS and Columbia River Ripples,
all in which she held office . often as commander or president.
Of all, her favorite was the Women Marines Association.
Our inside family joke was her favorite phrase, "Other than that, I'm
fine." She would always say it in the midst of a crisis, large or
small. For years we lovingly "threatened" to etch that phrase on
her tombstone (we didn't!). In hindsight, saying those simple
words probably helped her get through some difficult times as
well as adding a lighthearted touch to a serious conversation.
Her life was lived fully; she loved and enjoyed many adventures.
There was always room in her heart for one more person, one more
experience. She will live in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, in Gateway
Little Chapel of the Chimes, followed by military honors at
Willamette National Cemetery. If you wish, in lieu of flowers,
you may send a contribution in her name to the American Heart
Association ; Shepherd's Door Women's Shelter; or a charity of
your choice. |
