Obituary of M. Lorraine Speckhart

M. LORRAINE SPECKHART, 96, of Short Hills, went peacefully to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family at home, on November 29, 2024.

Born and raised in Maplewood, Lorraine graduated from Columbia High School in 1945 and the Washington School for Secretaries. Lorraine was a member and past president of the Auxiliary of the Holy Angels Day Nursery.

Lorraine married the love of her life, Bernard, in 1956. They moved to Short Hills in 1965, where they raised seven children. Lorraine was a devoted mother, a dedicated homemaker, and welcomed countless friends and family into her home with warmth and generosity. The family shared many happy times at their home away from home on Cape Cod.

For many years, Lorraine was an active parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima in Short Hills. Her faith inspired her to serve others, and she held several posts in the Saint Rose Ladies Auxiliary and Twigs. She also helped establish the Saint Rose of Lima “Friends of St. Ann’s Committee” alongside Bishop John J. Dougherty.

As her children grew, Lorraine’s service within the Catholic community deepened. She became a devoted member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the Order of the Knights of Malta, serving with Bernard. As a member of the Knights of Malta since 1992, she and Bernard traveled to Lourdes, France, on six pilgrimages. Lorraine will be remembered by all who knew her as a kind and generous woman who cared deeply for her family and extended family.

Lorraine was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Bernard S.; her parents, John J. and Helen M. (Becker) Stecher; her brother, John J. Stecher III, D.D.S.; her sisters, M. Doris Mulcahy and M. Joan Kilcommons; and her brother-in-law, Vincent J. Speckhart, M.D. She is survived by her seven devoted children:

B. Stephen, Mary L., Donna M. Speckhart-Smith (Peter), Gregory J. (Annika), Patricia S. Woods (Peter), Mark J. (Danielle), and John J. (Heidi).

In addition, Lorraine was the proud grandmother to 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joan B. Stecher, of New Providence, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home on Sunday, December 8th, from 2–5 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills, on Monday, December 9th, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079, or Eternal World Television Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210-2164, www.ewtn.com, would be appreciated

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