Hinstorff, Edna Lorraine (Brockett)

Edna Lorraine Brockett Hinstorff passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2017, in Madison, Wisconsin. Born September 9, 1919, in Atlanta, Lorraine grew up in Bainbridge. Valedictorian of the Bainbridge High School Class of 1936, she graduated from Georgia Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1940, from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Consumer Science degree in 1950, and from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Master of Library Science degree in 1969.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert (d. 1998). Loving mother of Herbert (Susan) Hinstorff, Jr. and Anne (Daryl) Broadbridge, and her children through marriage, Delores (Jack [d. 2008]) Brewster and Robert (Joanne) Hinstorff. Preceded in death by her Daddy, James Raymond Brockett, step-mother Mattie Brockett, brothers William James (Lillie Mel) Brockett and Robert Lee (Johnnie) Brockett, and cousin Irene Borland (Edgar) Priest. She is further survived by grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

After teaching high school English in Dixie and Monticello, Lorraine worked for the War Department at Bainbridge Army Airfield. In 1944, she began working for the Office of Price Administration in Atlanta as a position classifier. She enjoyed her years in Atlanta, developing many friendships which she nurtured throughout her life.

In 1950, she took a train tour of the western US and Canada. Always friendly and outgoing, after dinner the first evening she offered a cookie to fellow tour passenger, Herb Hinstorff, and the rest is history! Married in Atlanta on June 17, 1952, Lorraine moved to Milwaukee, where, in addition to Herb’s children, Delores and Bob, she was welcomed by the entire Hinstorff family. Once Herb, Jr. and Anne were both in school, she became a part-time student at UWM. After graduation, she served as librarian at Pilgrim Park Middle School for 20 years, retiring in 1989.

Lorraine was a gracious southern hostess with a passion for her family, always welcoming and always seeing the good in others. She and Herb enjoyed various card clubs, as well as organizations such as the Elks Club, and they both loved to travel. A member of Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church since 1953, she was involved in many facets of church life. She was also involved in numerous organizations including the Suburban Women’s Club of Wauwatosa and Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society of women educators.

Due to declining health, in December 2014, Lorraine moved to Madison, Wisconsin to live with Anne & Daryl. When faced with medical setbacks in her later years, she met them with the same positive energy with which she had faced challenges her entire life, always focusing on the things she would do when she got better. She stayed engaged until the end, still reading The Post-Searchlight twice a week as she had done her entire life.

Lorraine passed from us with the same dignity and grace with which she lived among us for 97 years. Services were held Saturday, April 8th at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be sent to Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church, Agrace Hospice or the charity of choice. Thank you to all who touched Lorraine’s life. SCHMIDT & BARTELT Wauwatosa 414-774-5010