Lorraine D. Musser's Obituary
In Honor of Lorraine D. Musser
July 6th 1922 – Aug 20th 2013
Born to immigrant parents, Joseph and Giovana (Ginny)Rampone from Torino, Italy. She was their 4th child, and the only one born here in America. Her siblings stayed behind in Italy with Grandparents still they were settled her in Oakland, CA. where I was born. She was 2 years old when they moved to Alameda, west end on Lincoln Avenue near the Vegetable Gardens. Her 3 siblings came over soon after. There is 13 years difference between her and the next child Freddie, then Remolie and Mary (a half-sister). She attended all Alameda Schools Washington, Longfellow and graduated from Alameda High School in 1941. She is most proud of all the years she worked and started at 8 years old; selling fresh eggs from a stand in the 10th street Market that her brother Freddie owned. Her mother put half of her pay under the carpet and saved for her. She couldn’t wait to bring home her money to give to her mother. She has wonderful memories of Neptune Beach and Crab Cove by Webster Street. She went to all the Dances in Oakland at Sweets and was the bill of ball. She loved to dance to the big bands. After World War II she waited for Eddy Mink to return from the war so they could run off to Reno and elope and marry in 1946. A beautiful and happy couple with a full life many opportunities after the war. They bought their first house in San Lorenzo, a track home where marry young couples moved to and started their future together. My grandmother uncovered the carpet and gave her all the money she saved all her years when she worked, it went towards her new house. They had 2 daughters, Diane born in 1947 and Sandy born in 1951. The most difficult time of her life, she sold the house and moved back to Alameda on Lincoln Avenue (different house). Her mother moved in and helped raise the 2 girls. She worked two jobs to support the family and she learned then of the power of strength she had. She still worked at the same place across the street at the HouseWives Market at the Liquor Counter where she met she met the love of her life Harry Musser who worked at Mory’s liquors and was in sales. They fell in love and were married in 1958. She continued to work part time and remained at the House Wives Market for over 60 years. They moved to the Oakland Hills soon after they were married. But she never liked living in the hills. In 1963 they had a five plex built with a master unit she sleighed. This was the happiest time moving back to Alameda where she has remained all her life. Harry passed away in 1989. They were married 31 years; she was very active with friends and family. She retired at 72 years old. She enjoyed her family that lived in Alameda. She has 4 grand children Steven Ashbaker, Tiffany Ashbaker, Jennifer Macleod and Kenny Macleod. She also has 5 great grand children Chelsea Ashbaker, Courtney Ashbaker, Ryan Ashbaker, Ava Ashbaker and Kylee Macleod. She was a big giver and made sure her kids didn’t go without.
Her great friends are Irene Castellano, Barbara Vega and Betty Gerhardt, Ron and Christine Silcochs were close as family and spend many days together.
What’s your fondest memory of Lorraine?
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Share a story where Lorraine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lorraine you’ll never forget.
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