The world lost a brilliant light on August 24, 2025, when Lorraine Josephine (Vitale) Best passed away in Poway, California at the age of 94. She was born January 28, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Fannie Vitale and was the oldest of four children.

Lorraine worked for over 30 years as a full-charge bookkeeper. After ensuring that her children were in college, Lorraine followed her dream of attending college at night and earned her AA in Accounting.

Her true passion was taking care of others. She wanted to feed everyone that she met, share every bit of knowledge she learned, discuss the most recently read book and would happily debate any political issue of the day. She was constantly looking for an opportunity to knit a baby blanket or sweater. There was always a chair at her table or a shoulder to cry on at her home. You could always find her on daily walks with her dog looking to connect with her neighbors.

A devout Catholic, Lorraine had a devotion to Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her faith gave her strength to face every challenge that came her way.

She is survived by her daughter Judith Best of Alexandria, VA.; son and daughter-in-law Lawrence & Trisha Best of Santee, CA; and grandchildren Thomas, Emily, Caroline & William. She also leaves behind her faithful dog, Maddie.

The world was better with you here Mom and we were lucky to have you as long as we did. Thank you for everything.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30am, Monday, September 15, 2025, at St.Michael Catholic Church, 15546 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA. Interment will follow at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite animal charity in her memory.