Lorraine Way

Lorraine Joanne Essenburg Way
2/19/37-1/25/24

Lorraine Way spent her last days surrounded by her dearest friends and family and went to her long anticipated heavenly home on January 25, 2024. Lorraine (Lorrie) was born in Atwood Michigan on February 19, 1937 to Lewis and Della Essenburg. Her strong work ethic was fostered at a young age as she worked alongside her parents and three brothers on the family farm. She attended school at Ebenezer Christian School in Ellsworth until the 8th grade and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1954. 

While she was a senior in high school she met the love of her life, Douglas (Doug) Way. They married on July 30, 1955. They soon started a family of their own and had 4 children, Denny, Juli, Scott & DJ. Lorrie had 16 grandchildren which were her richest treasure and greatest blessing, and 17 great grandchildren, three of which were born in the last 6 months. Doug and Lorrie were lifelong members of Charlevoix Assembly of God Church. They also attended Center Point Assembly, Ellsworth Wesleyan Church, and Freedom House Ministries.   

Lorrie worked at Charlevoix Area Hospital as a Nurse’s Aid for 35 years. While she truly enjoyed the  friendships and working alongside doctors, nurses and other staff, meticulously attending to her patients' needs while they were hospitalized was her favorite part of the job. She retired in 2003.  After retiring she enjoyed volunteering at The Rainbow Shoppe, and church ministries such as Tabitha’s Closet, and supporting her family as it grew. Lorrie and Doug enjoyed 17 winters spent at SanLan RV and Golf Resort in Lakeland Florida and made wonderful memories there with family and friends.

Lorrie was the quintessential hostess. The doors to Lorrie and Doug’s home were always open to friends, family, and even strangers on more than occasion. The coffee was “always on” and within minutes she would have a table filled with appetizers and sweet treats for her guests. Around their table new friends become great friends,  great friends became family, and their love for the Lord was always shared.

Lorrie’s husband Douglas, her brothers Theodore (Ted) Essenburg, James (Jim) Essenburg and William (Bill) Essenburg all preceded her in death as did her first grandson Brandon Way. 

She is survived by her children, Dennis (Jeanne) Way of Lakeland, Florida, her daughter Juli (Gary) Fryczynski of Petoskey, Michigan, her son Scott (Angela) Way of Charlevoix, and her son DJ Way of Charlevoix.

Her family would like to thank the staff of American House and Advisacare, and Hospice of Michigan for their loving care.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Center Point Assembly in Charlevoix with a light meal to follow. The family looks forward to greeting visitors after the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a ministry in Nepal that was dear to Lorrie and her family; Sara Ministries ℅ Scott Way.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com