Lorraine Marie Farley

Lorraine Marie Farley, 80, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025.

Lorraine was born June 22, 1945, in New York, NY. She was the eldest of three children born to Richard and Marie Robinson. She grew up in Queens, NY where she graduated from Newtown High School in just three years.   She attended Queens College on a full ride academic scholarship where she earned a bachelor’s degree.  She achieved a master’s degree in English from New York University.

Lorraine married Jim Farley in 1971 in New York. They subsequently moved to Arizona in 1974. They were married for 46 years until Jim’s death in 2018. They had three children, Kristin, Lisa, and James II, who they raised in Gilbert and Mesa, AZ.

After moving to Arizona, Lorraine began her 30-year career as a Personnel Officer for the Federal Government, first with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and later with the Bureau of Land Management.  She retired from the Bureau of Land Management in 2006.  After retiring, she spent many years volunteering for the Mesa Arts Center where she was able to engage her passion for the arts.

Lorraine had an incredible talent for writing, particularly poetry that delighted her family throughout the years. She loved reading and dancing to country western music. Ever the animal lover, she had many cats, dogs, and horses that she spoiled over the years.

Lorraine also had a love for the outdoors where she could be found running or walking her dogs daily. At the age of 59, she ran her first marathon. She enjoyed the challenge so much that she ran a second marathon at age 60.

Lorraine was known for her kindness, loyalty, dedication, creativity, and intellect. She always put others’ needs before her own. She was fiercely protective of her children and was often called upon by them whenever cheering on or sage advice was needed.  

Lorraine is survived by her children, Kristin (Tony), Lisa (Mickael), and James (Andrea), grandkids: Calista, Blake, Elizabeth, James III, and Tyler, and brother, David (Susan). She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, Richard.

The family will hold a private service in Lorraine’s honor and would like to thank everyone who has reached out with love and support during this time.