Obituary of Lorraine Chadwick

Lorraine (Hardey) Chadwick, 69 of Endwell passed away at home on Friday, May 30, 2025. Lorraine was a leap year baby born on February 29, 1956 to parents Marjorie and Richard Hardey in Endicott, New York. She is survived by her brother Wayne Hardey (and his wife Mary) in Dallas, Texas and her sister Nancy Grose (and her husband Richard) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is also survived by nieces Erin Glover of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Sarah Higgins of Dallas, Texas and nephew Kevin Hardey of League City, Texas. Lorraine is also survived by her cousin Barb Allen of Cortland, New York with whom she had an especially close relationship. Lorraine was never blessed with children of her own but was warmly welcomed into the family of her late husband, Richard Chadwick. Those family members who survive Lorraine include stepdaughter Kristen Gentile of Scottsdale, Arizona and step-grandchildren Alex (and his wife Mel) in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lauren in Albany, New York, Amanda in Leadville, Colorado and Lucas Gentile in Baltimore Maryland. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, her husband and stepson Rick. Lorraine graduated from Union-Endicott High School, SUNY Broome, and earned her Masters of Education at Binghamton University. She worked for several years at IBM/Loral/Lockheed Martin in Owego before pursuing a career change to become a teacher. She was a faculty member at various local schools before finding her true calling as an instructor at BOCES. She remained on the staff there until her retirement, after which she was a loving caretaker for her husband. In her late teens, Lorraine was an active member of the youth group at Central United Methodist Church in Endicott. Later in life, she and Richard taught Sunday school and co-led the senior youth group at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Endicott. Lorraine loved and enjoyed every moment with her four step-grandchildren, especially introducing them to gardening, farming, and horseback riding. Lorraine also enjoyed camping and golfing with her husband at Chenango Valley State Park where the children joined them each year, sharing stories around the campfire. Lorraine volunteered as a coordinator and puppy raiser/socializer for Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Freedom Guide Dogs. She and Richard housed, raised and trained several dogs that were all eventually incorporated into the programs of those organizations or as family members in their home. We wish to acknowledge long-time friends Brad and Betsy, Dave and Mary, and neighbor Lisa. Their conversations, compassion, and get-togethers meant so much to Lorraine. A Celebration of Life will be held at Highland Park (Pavilion 1) in Endwell on Thursday, June 19, 2025, beginning 12:00noon with time for sharing memories followed by a picnic. Family, friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to attend.