Lorraine Hebert Blaydes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor, and friend, passed away on August 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love.

Born on December 31, 1945, in Lewistown, Maine, Lorraine Marie Muguette Hebert was the daughter of Cecile Lessard Hebert and Leo Hebert. She lived a life that was defined not by the challenges she faced, but by the courage with which she overcame them.

As a single mother of two, Lorraine worked hard to build a life for her family. She knew what it meant to struggle, to persevere, and to begin again. Those experiences shaped the woman she became and gave her a unique ability to understand and connect with people from all walks of life.

For nearly 40 years, Lorraine was a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Her journey through recovery became one of the most meaningful parts of her life. She openly shared her experience, strength, and hope with others who were struggling and searching for a way forward. She understood that sometimes the person who can help us most is someone who has walked a similar road. Lorraine became that person for many.

Her commitment to helping others continued throughout her professional career. Lorraine retired from the Division of Parole and Probation, where she was able to bring together her professional knowledge and the personal wisdom she had gained through her own life experiences. She understood that every person had a story and that people deserved to be seen as more than their mistakes or circumstances. Her ability to connect with others on both a personal and professional level allowed her to make a difference in countless lives.

Lorraine never stopped believing in the importance of learning and growing. Later in life, she put herself through college and earned an Associate Degree in Sociology from Hagerstown Community College. At the age of 71, she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an accomplishment that reflected the determination and perseverance that had carried her throughout her life.

One of the most beautiful moments of that achievement was sharing it with her granddaughter, Tabatha. Just days apart, Lorraine and Tabatha each celebrated an extraordinary educational accomplishment—Lorraine earning her degree from Hagerstown Community College and Tabatha graduating from Gallaudet University. It was a moment that beautifully represented the legacy Lorraine was creating for the generations that followed her: the belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream, overcome an obstacle, or accomplish something you once thought might be out of reach.

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband, Bob Blaydes; her children, Kim Pourkhomami and Chris Podleiszek; her grandchildren, Holly Paymon, Chris Paymon, Tabatha Podleiszek, and Araceli Podleiszek, as well as a new grandbaby, Baby Morrison, coming soon; and her great-grandchildren, Haven Morrison and Layla Shadkam.

She is also survived by Koren Kiracofe, Shawn Shadkam, Agata Paymon, Landon Morrison, Deanna Kerrigan, Steve Kerrigan, and Shawn Blaydes, along with many other family members, friends, colleagues, and people whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.

Her life was defined by courage, growth, service, and love.

Beside her through the later chapters of her life was her loving husband, Bob. Their life together was a cherished part of Lorraine's story, and his love, companionship, and presence meant more to her than words can express. He was her partner, her friend, and the person who stood beside her through life's joys and challenges. Their love will remain a treasured part of the memories Lorraine leaves behind.

The greatest measure of Lorraine's life may be found in the people who are better because she was part of their story.

Her children will carry her strength. Her grandchildren will carry her determination. Her great-grandchildren will carry her legacy. And the many people she helped will carry the hope she so freely shared.

Lorraine will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You lived a life that mattered. Your story continues through all of us.

The family will receive family and friends from 6-8pm on Friday, Sept 4th; Memorial Service at 11am on Saturday, Sept 5th at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 East Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a charity or nonprofit that is meaningful to you, in Lorraine’s memory.