SKOWHEGAN -- Lorraine Shirley Cropley, 75, of Skowhegan, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2011, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, after a short illness. Lorraine was born in Manchester, Conn., July 17, 1935, the daughter of George C. and Hilda E. (Johnson) Rauchle. Lorraine was a 1954 graduate of Manchester High School in Connecticut and worked a short time as a key punch operator in Connecticut. She married Arland R. Cropley on Oct. 19, 1957, in Manchester, Conn.

She enjoyed reading, needlework, crocheting and crafts, along with traveling with her husband and family. Her most enjoyable job was raising and caring for her five children.

She is survived by her husband, Al Cropley, of Skowhegan; five children, Jo-Ann Cavanaugh and husband Shawn of Shapleigh, Bob Cropley and wife Kathy of Scarborough, Andy Cropley and wife Janet of Romance, Ark., Chris Cropley of Glendale, Ariz., and Patty Cropley and financŽ Mike Pion of Norridgewock; six grandchildren, Jack Cavanaugh of Shapleigh, Griffen Cropley of Scarborough, Steven and Heather Cropley of Romance, Ark., Matt Cropley of Glendale, Ariz., and Loral Pion of Norridgewock; great-granddaughter Haylee Cropley of Romance, Ark.; one sister, Lois Karch, of Manchester, Conn.; one brother, George Rauchle, of Willington, Conn.; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Redington-Fairview General Hospital for the wonderful care they gave.

Donations may be made in Lorraine's memory to the Skowhegan Free Public Library, 9 Elm St., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

Visiting hours will be held July 14 from 1 to 2 p.m., with the memorial service following immediately at 2 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. Burial will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, Skowhegan, ME.