Lorraine A. Johnson

Obituary's Biography:

Lorraine A. Johnson of Grayslake Illinois passed away on April 26, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. Lorraine was the beloved wife of William James Johnson(deceased), a retired Chicago Firefighter.  Loving mother of Patricia (Tom) McGovern, Linda (Bill) Foley and David (Janet) Johnson, proud grandmother of Melissa and Cody Johnson and Heather (Rob)Bendorovich and great grandmother of Brooklyn and Bailey Bendorovich.

Lorraine, a retired realtor, business and civic leader was a woman of vision.  She was responsible for a long string of accomplishments in Metropolitan Chicago.  Lorraine was one of Chicago’s most prominent real estate brokers and President of Century 21 William Johnson Realtors, Inc. for 39 years. Her proudest real estate accomplishments came when Lorraine was installed as the first woman in 103 years to lead The Chicago Board of Realtors as their president.  Her Installation in 1987 was the culmination of years of dedicated service to the real estate industry. Lorraine held key positions with the Illinois Association of Realtors as well.  The late mayor of Chicago, Jane Byrne, appointed Lorraine as Energy Chairman for the City of Chicago, for which Lorraine undertook a project with Commonwealth Edison and Peoples Gas to educate Chicago’s low-income residents concerning energy conservation and safety.

Lorraine earned special recognition from the National Association of Realtors.  She was elected Realtor of the year in 1988 for her legendary accomplishments, both in real estate and civic leadership. Lorraine was selected by Cook County Recorder of Deeds Carol Mosley Braun to serve on a Blue Ribbon Committee in an effort to implement changes to the office of Recorder of Deeds in City Hall.  Lorraine was a member of the State Licensing Law Committee.  She taught for the Realtors School for Licensing.  She lectured for Chicago’s Public Library and public schools. Lorraine also served as an officer, director and president of the Northwest Chicago Real Estate Board. On June 5, 1983 Lorraine answered a call from the Archdiocese of Chicago and was commissioned a minister of Care and Communion to the sick. Lorraine was an active member of St. Gilbert Catholic Parish in Grayslake, Illinois.  She happily retired from all real estate activities in 1999 to enjoy her wonderful family.

A visitation and funeral Mass is scheduled for May 9, 2024, at St. Gilbert Church 301 E. Belvidere Road Grayslake, Illinois 60030 from 10:30am until 11:00am with the mass commencing at 11:00am.

Gravesite Internment Ascension Cemetery 1920 W. Buckley Road Libertyville, Illinois 60048.  In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Chicago Fire Department would be appreciated.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.