Just when smiles and laughter are needed most, there’s a little less of it in the world today. On January 12, 2026, after 78 years of life, love, and unconditional kindness, Lorraine Marie Holland - our beautiful mother, stepmother, wife, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, and devout ancestral genealogy archivist - passed away peacefully at her home in Eureka.

Lorraine was born on March 27, 1947 to Mary and Art Oliveira of Fortuna. She grew up on a farm in Fortuna and attended elementary and high school there and graduated in 1965. She grew up with her older brother, Leonard, and many cousins who also attended the same schools (including the Ingersolls, Chisms, Bairds and Oliveira boys). Her family was deeply involved with their Portuguese heritage in Ferndale and Arcata.

After graduation, she got a diploma from the Humboldt Business College in bookkeeping and ventured to the Bay Area, where she would meet and eventually fall in love with her future husband, George Holland. They married in 1973, making her a second mom to George’s four children (Debbie, Tommy, Cindy, and Robert), and then moved back to Humboldt County where they settled down in Eureka. There, they worked for many years together at Campton Electric. In 1975, they welcomed their son, William, and enjoyed many years going on family hunting and fishing trips with all of their wonderful dogs (Lady and the pups and of course, Sadie, their only Bassett).

Lorraine was a devoted and loving mom and absolutely enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was exceptional at remembering everyone’s birthday, listening to their stories, and doing her best to support them. She always had an incredible joy for life (and Bingo), and even when she was battling cancer or other health issues, never failed to smile. She enjoyed family get-togethers, crafts, reading, and was a keen record-keeper of the family ancestry. Having graduated high school 60 years before, she still met regularly with old school friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins.

Carrying on her legacy is her husband George, her children Will (Danielle), Debbie (Gary), Tommy, Cindy (Eti), Robert, grandchildren Elizabeth, Matthew, Carrie (Robert), Kevin (Tiffany) Jeffrey, Andrew, Jessica, Robert, Amanda, 5 great-grandchildren, brother Leonard, and many beloved cousins and friends. We will miss the beautiful light in this life that was Lorraine, but all those she touched will always keep that light aglow.

We will be celebrating and remembering Lorraine at a memorial service to be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. (St. Joseph’s Catholic Church) followed by a reception at 11:30 a.m.at the Portuguese Hall of Ferndale. No need to wear black or dress too formally. Lorraine liked being “comfy.”

The church cannot accept flowers. Your presence is enough.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Lorraine Holland’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.