Lorena Cate McAlpine's Obituary
Lorena Cate McAlpine, loving wife and mother, went home to be with her Lord on January 15, 2016.
Born, January 2, 1926, in Chattanooga, TN to Francena and Otto Cate, Lorena was raised in Union, SC. She lived a wonderfully rich and rewarding 90 years and was married to her childhood sweetheart for 70 years. Lorena helped to guide and nurture three children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
A devoted Christian, Lorena dedicated her life to serving others. She gave freely of her time, talent and compassion to many relatives during times of illness. She volunteered with the Alachua General Hospital Auxiliary for over 36 years serving three terms as its president. Additionally, Lorena served as the Northeast District Director of the Association of Florida Hospital Auxiliaries. As a member of Gainesville’s Grace Presbyterian Church, she served as an elder, an active participant in the Presbyterian Women’s Circle, and as Chair of the Membership and Fellowship committees.
She is survived by her husband, Robert G. McAlpine; daughter Mary Ellen McAlpine; son, Robert G. McAlpine Jr. (Cathy); daughter Martha McAlpine Taylor (Steven); grandchildren Helen Houk of Tampa, FL (Mike); Rick Elm (Heather) of Hazlet, NJ; Jeanie McAlpine of Baltimore, MD; Cate McAlpine and Ellen McAlpine of Seneca, SC; Travis Taylor and Shelby Taylor of Auburn, AL; and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service honoring Lorena’s life will be held Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church. Interment and graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Union, South Carolina on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm, under the direction of Holcombe Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 3136 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609, to benefit the Fellowship or Membership Committees.
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