Lorraine “laurel-crowned” Bangoura, 75, of Elk River, MN passed away in the company of her loving son and family in Virginia Beach after a brief battle with cancer. Her loving son and family were by her side when she departed to be with the Lord.
She was born on May 24, 1937 in Grafton, North Dakota to Augustine (Gus) Schildberger and Amelia (Lutovsky). Lorraine, a devout Catholic, took her first communion on 7-8-1945. She was confirmed in 1953 and married on 11-7-1964 at the Cathedral of St. John.
Lorraine was a trail blazer and enjoyed traveling. She met her husband, Ibrahima Bangoura in Milwaukee. She and her husband lived in the Republic of Guinea from 1965-1968 where she taught English in Conakry. After returning to the US, she worked as a librarian at the University of Illinois- Normal and Marquette University until they moved to Minnesota where she was a librarian at Anoka Ramsey Community from 1980-1999.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Arlene (Wilkin) Schildberger and niece Robin (Wibstad) Dunwoody. She is survived by her husband, Ibrahima Sory and their three children, Jacqueline Lenore Serianne (Allen) Williams, Sekou Aubrey (Lolita) Bangoura and Alfred Kent (Kendra) Bangoura;eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, siblings Gerard Schildberger, Yvonne Wibstad, Marne Schildberger.
Because of Lorraine’s deep faith and devotion to God, she believed in prayers answered and miracles. She was a devout Catholic from her earliest upbringing and because she lived by faith, she touched many lives with her kindness and forgiving spirit making this world a better place.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 16th, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Veseleyville, ND, near Grafton, ND.
Condolences may be shared with the family via the Online Guestbook.
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What a women, surely she is with God in heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the death of your Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
I am so blessed to have known Lorraine for 20 years! My mother-in-law for 14 years. Truly a kind, gentle, soul who saw the essence of an individual and was able to love them for who they are on the inside and not judging them. I witnessed her forgiving nature over and over again! What a remarkable woman indeed. She has left such a legacy for her family. I will miss our travel trips together, our walks around town and our visits to museums. I will always remember you when I look at the trees that you call God’s greatest creation. I know you are floating with Jesus and all the heavenly angels.
Dear Jackie, Alfred and Sekou, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. I had the pleasure of working with her at ARCC and her work ethic was unsurpassed. A great friend, she was kind and humble, and unwavering in her devotion to family and faith.
To Lorraine’s family, Wendell & I are deeply saddened to hear of Lorraine’s passing. Know our thoughts and prays are eith you during this time of sorrow.
To the Bangoura Family,
Lorraine loved you all very much and often shared stories and happenings of each one of you. She was so proud of you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to the family of Lorraine.
Lorraine and I attended the
summer catechism classes in Veseleyville, ND. She is 2 days older than I am. I haven’t seen her since those days, but have so often thought about her wondering where she is and what has life brought her. She had a beautiful life, full of wonder and awe. She was truly blest.
I love you and I miss you very very much grandma. not a single day goes by that I don’t think of you. there are so many things I just want to sit down and tell you. hoping you’ll just come give me a big ol hug. your love is irreplaceable. can’t wait to see you again one day. youre always my brightest light.