Lorraine Barbara Morse Holmes Merchant wife of the late Joseph A. Merchant, died October 19, 2026. She was born April 29, 1935 in Livermore, Maine, the daughter of Fred B. Morse and Melvina E. Morse (Welch). She graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1953 and Auburn Maine School of Commerce in 1956. In September of 1956 she moved to Newport and started her teaching career at Newport High School as a business education teacher. In the fall of 1968 she continued teaching at the new district high school, Nokomis Regional High, and retired in 1991. Lorraine received her bachelor's degree in Business Education from Husson College (University) in the summer of 1963, and her love for learning continued throughout her lifetime. She organized the Newport High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She married Joseph A. Merchant in 1971. Since her retirement in 1991 she and her husband, Joe (d. 2011), traveled extensively in their recreational vehicles, visiting 48 states. They were active members of HRRVC, Chapter 33 Holiday Ramblers of Maine and the family Motor Coach Assn. She was a member of the Maine Education Assn., Maine Association of Retirees (MAR), and the Shorthand Writers of Maine. She was also a lifelong member of the Peoples United Methodist Church.

Lorraine is survived by her son Kelly A. Holmes (Ellen); grandson Andrew Holmes (Kaytlyn); step grandson David Holmes (Tiffany); Step daughter Judith May; daughter in-law Diana Merchant; step granddaughters Erica Carwhile (Gene), Laurel Merchant, Lisa (May) Riggin (Mike); Step grandson Chuck May; great-grandchildren, Leah, Waylon, Jackson, Ivy, Faith, Hayden; step great-grandchildren Fredrick, Wesley, Raymond, Tabitha, Erin, Declan, Rhianna, Daniel and many caring nieces and nephews as well as numerous close friends.

Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, her husband Joe, a son, Scott R. Holmes, a special niece, Barbara Lorraine Dumeny, Charles, six siblings, Ronald, Beverly, Philip, Phyllis, Doris, Clayton, brother in-law William Merchant and John Merchant (Caroline), Sister in-law Bertha Harris.

There will be a graveside service at 12pm on October 28th, 2026 at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery 163 Mt Vernon Road, Augusta, ME with Rev. Ellen Bridge officiating. in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Peoples United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 182, Newport, ME 04953. Thise who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com