Lorraine McCracken

Lorraine Herta (Russell) McCracken, 75, of McKinney, Texas passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025 in her home with her sons and her husband of 54 years at her side. 

Lorraine was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on June 17, 1949 to Joseph and Herta Russell. Her father was a WWII US Navy veteran and eventual retiree which gave her the opportunity to live and attend elementary school in the United Kingdom. She spent most of her younger years growing up in Norfolk, Virginia where she graduated from Norview High School in 1967. She attended Old Dominion University until 1970 when she married Pat; the boy she met in the eighth grade and was sure she would marry (he, of course, had no idea).

Lorraine thought she and her husband would live and grow old near the beach in Virginia, but war, the draft, and fate set them on a 30 year Air Force adventure that entailed 17 household relocations to seven different states and a four year tour to Clark Air Base in the Republic of the Philippines. During their final assignment in Tuscaloosa she attained a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Alabama (RTR). 

Her passion for travel and her adventurous spirit took us all over the world, but her greatest pride was in the talent and accomplishments of our two wonderful sons. She would do (and sometimes did) anything for them. In her vital role as a military spouse she provided unwavering support to her husband, sons, and military community from the Vietnam years through Desert Storm and beyond. Her endless warrior spirit sustained us all and shined through every day of her beautiful life. 

Lorraine’s caring nature and her willingness to be there for family and friends was unsurpassed. For those searching for an example of kindness and generosity, she was a beacon light – warmer and brighter than the sun.

SHE LOVED WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAD

Lorraine is survived by her husband Alfred Patrick (Pat) McCracken and his brother George Michael McCracken, sons Alan Patrick McCracken (Jody) and Robert Michael McCracken (Rebecca), grandchildren Aidan, Killian, and Cameron, brother Richard Russell. A Celebration of life will be held in the Charles W. Smith and Sons Chapel at 601 S. Tennessee Street, McKinney, Texas 75069 on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM. A graveside service for family and friends will be at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola Florida.

In lieu of flowers we would be honored if you would donate to a charity of your choice.