Lorraine Colley

April 19, 1925 - August 2, 2017

 On August 2, 2017, Lorraine (Laney) Colley danced off this earth into the arms of Bob, her loving husband of 71 years, who had been awaiting her arrival at Heaven’s gate since August of 2014.

Laney was born on April 19, 1925 at The Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She was raised in South Gate, California by her parents who were both born on farms in Cherokee, Iowa. Her parents taught her how to garden, cook, sew and the meaning of hard work.

While attending South Gate High, she met the love of her life, Bob, at the local skating rink in South Gate at the age of 15. Laney was just 18 and Bob 19 when they were married on July 25, 1943 by Bob’s stepfather, Judge E.P. Woods, in his family home. Following a one-night honeymoon, Bob immediately shipped out for army boot camp and Laney went to work at Sterling Motors, proudly serving our country as a Rosie the Riveter. Bob loved her to the ends of the earth and spoiled her with his love.

After the war Laney and Bob built their first home in Downey, eventually moving three times within the city. After working in several prior jobs, Laney found a rewarding lifetime career as a court clerk. Being entrepreneurial by nature, Laney also enjoyed many side businesses. She bought and sold fixer-upper properties and in the early 1960’s one of the properties became the location of her dream business, “Lorraine’s Flowers and Gifts”.

Laney eventually combined Lorraine’s Flowers and Gifts with Saywell’s Florist in Downey. She was very proud to be the owner of Saywell’s Florist as it was the oldest flower shop in Downey, having first opened for business in 1925. Under her direction, Saywell-Lorraine’s Flowers designed award winning floral headdresses. After Laney and Bob retired, they both earned their teaching credentials and together they taught R.O.P. classes in Floral Design. it was their way of giving back to the community.

Laney was happy with her life all the way to the end. She had a “To Do List” any 92 year old would envy, including Golf Lessons, Bocce Ball, Computer Classes, and Vegan Cooking, Her list was endless with possibilities. Laney was a pistol and a kick in the pants all the way to her last breath!! She will be sorely missed by all who loved her and the lives that she has touched.

Lorraine (Laney) Colley is survived by her Daughter Linda; Son and Daughter-in-law Bob and Lawdra; Grandchildren Rob, Russell, and Liz; her Great Grandson Robin; along with many nieces, nephews and close family friends whom she considered family.

Viewing will be at Rose Hills Gate 1 in the Visitation Center on Friday August 25th, 2017 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at Sky Rose Chapel at Rose Hills Gate 1 on Saturday August 26th at 1:00pm. A Graveside Internment service will be conducted immediately afterwards.

Following the Internment, celebration of Laney’s life reception will be held at Rio Hondo Golf Course 10027 Old River School Road, Downey, CA 90240. If you plan on attending the reception, please RSVP with Linda at (562) 225-1000.