Lorraine  Andrews, 88, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Glen Park in Defiance, Ohio.

Lorraine LaFond Andrews was born in Midlothian, Illinois to Mary (Dziabis) and Ludger LaFond. She graduated from Thornton Township Community College in Harvey, Illinois and began work at the Midlothian Messenger Newspaper, where she met her future husband, Eugene Andrews. Lorraine and Eugene were owners and publishers of the Messenger in the late 1940s. They moved to Defiance in the early 1950s to be near family when Eugene's step father, Kevin McCann was appointed President of the Defiance College. Both Lorraine and Eugene graduated from the college where Eugene remained as a faculty member. Lorraine taught Spanish and French for many years at Bryan High School.

Lorraine and Eugene traveled extensively throughout he United States, and followed courses of graduate study about the American Southwest at the University of New Mexico and San Francisco State University.

Lorraine loved to be active in community affairs with special involvement in conservation of land and waterways, in the Defiance County Council of Arts, and in local writers' groups. For many years she contributed articles to local newspapers. She was known to Defiance residents from her appearances in documentary videos for local cable TV. She especially enjoyed making friends of everyone she met, and was a staunch supporter of personal rights.

Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, and her husband, Eugene Andrews. Survivors include her nephew, Richard McPherson of Virginia.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at St. John Catholic Church, with Fr. Todd Dominique officiating.

Burial will take place following the services at Riverside Cemetery

Memorial Donations may be made to the Eugene Royer Andrews Scholarship Fund at Defiance College. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.