Mary Lorraine Lenore Tafoya Carter Adams Obituary (1949

Mary Lorraine Lenore Tafoya Carter Adams known to many as Lorraine and to some as Grandma Rains. Born July 3, 1949 in Durango, Colorado; the daughter of the late parents, Juan Estevan Tafoya and Ana Maria Bersabel Velasquez. Lorraine passed away in the Utah Valley Hospital on June 8, 2019, at the age of 69. Lorraine was the second of seven children: Manuel Tafoya (deceased), Matty (Grant) Shumway, Lena Tafoya (Deceased), Heno (Danny) Logan, Daniel (Irene) Tafoya, and Teresa (Tony) Rackley. Lorraine was raised in Wellington and Price Utah, attending school at Notre Dame Grammar School and later high school at Dixon High School. She moved to live with her Uncle Vernon and Aunt Vi in Denver, Colorado at the age of 16 and stayed with them until marrying Wayne. Lorraine held a very special place in her heart for the time she spent with them. Her grandma and grandpa owned a motel and a gas station where she frequently talked about the great memories she had and made helping during the summers. She also fondly talked about her time at her great-grandparents’ farm, where she loved to play with the animals and help with the chores. Lorraine was one of the hardest working people around. In raising her children as a single parent, she took a variety of jobs but frequently talked about the memories she made while working the mines at Wilberg and Deer Creek. She worked the long wall, and later moved onto fork lift operator, and then crane operator. She had many stories of the challenges she faced working as a female in these positions. After the mine industry declined she moved into the steel industry at McNallys Mountain State Steel, and later to Geneva Steel. She worked as a crane operator and laborer during her time in the steel industry. After Geneva Steel closed its doors she took a number of jobs where she was doing anything from crane to heavy labor to survive. She has enjoyed a number of years of retirement in Mount Pleasant, Utah. She married Wayne Garn Carter on January 27, 1968 in Denver Colorado. After 11 years of marriage they had 1 daughter and 3 sons, sharing many adventures and memories. Living in Utah County, they later divorced and Lorraine remarried. She married Kevin Adams, later divorced, residing in Orem, Utah; whom she met while working at McNally Mountain States Steel. The passing of Lorraine has left a hole in the heart of many. She was a beautiful lady and had much to share. When she smiled her eyes would sparkle and you could feel her happiness. She could talk for hours about her many experiences through life. Her favorite subjects always revolved around the people she worked with and the accomplishments she achieved. She was a collector of antique oddities; she had a story for all of her knick-knacks and would look up information on all of them. Even though arthritis consumed her in the end, she still managed to handle her delicate antiques with an unwavering, caring hand. She also had a love for roosters and you could not look throughout her house without seeing a rooster poking out from somewhere. Her kindness touched many and it was often that Lorraine would take in wayward souls giving them food and rest. Everyone always knew they could stop by her house at any time and she always had coffee on and snacks at the ready. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Michelle (Branden) Kuhni: Tyler, Kellen, and Teicia. Robert (Julie) Carter; Zandon, Moriah, Aiden, and Quinn. Paul Carter (Lauren Mack); Jackson Carter. Andy (Amy) Carter; Teressa, Destiny, Trinity, and Johnston. She is also survived by her god-children: Brandon Chavez, Tina Marie, and Byron Logan. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, a younger sister and older brother, and her granddaughter, Destiny Cvette Fox. Lorraine will be sorely missed by all, and life will not be the same without her witty personality. We all know she is in a better place, out of pain, and with those who have left before her. We know she is looking down on us, and she will get to share with her spirit in our many adventures and struggles. We miss her and love her with all of our hearts. Until we meet again. We will be meeting at Mount Timpanogos Park in Provo Canyon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019 to celebrate her life. Please bring a side to share as a potluck and a story of remembrance. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.