Lorraine Baxter

Loving daughter of the late Madeline and Vincent Bidia, Lorraine Baxter grew up in San Francisco, attending local schools. In 1943 following high school, she was accepted into an accelerated program at the University of California, Berkeley, while working at Matson part time. She graduated in 1946 and shortly after married Robert R. Baxter whom she had met at Matson. They were blessed with the arrival of Laurel on May 2, 1950 and Elizabeth on March 11, 1952. Bob was transferred to Hawaii in late 1952 but the family, loyal to SF, came back for the holidays as often as time permitted.

Lorraine continued her academic and culinary education, attending the University of Hawaii to study the peoples of the South Pacific and gaining kitchen expertise from the chefs of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Lorraine loved to serve friends and family new dishes. She was an avid reader on the beaches of Waikiki and perfected her needlepoint stitches in the South Pacific.

Bob left Matson for Sheraton Corporation in Omaha, Nebraska. While in Omaha, Lorraine studied the Northern Plain Indians. Atlanta was their next move where Bob served as Regional VP. They next moved to Morocco to represent the USA in sharing information about the hospitality industry.

On returning to San Francisco, Robert and Lorraine accepted managerial positions for condominium towers in Pacific Heights and Nob Hill. Here Lorraine’s philanthropic spirit blossomed as she became a leader at CPMC, responsible for the gift shop and a member of the Foundation Board. She also assumed an important position on the Nob Hill Association’s Board responsible for membership.

Lorraine wanted to thank the Heritage for the care they gave her and Bob. She also very much appreciated the wonderful service employees throughout the Heritage gave to her and Bob over the years. She valued the medical care she received from Dr. Matin and the visits and help she received from David, Doug and Ken. Lorraine had many beloved friends and wanted to especially acknowledge Betty Dowell and Fran Hildebrand for their friendship.

Lorraine’s parents, her beloved husband Bob and daughter Elizabeth pre-deceased her. She is survived by her loving daughter Laurel, grandchildren Roberta, Rachelle & Guy Hollins (Dana), great grandchildren Justin McDaniel & Jackson & Mia Hollins.

Donations in Lorraine’s memory should be made to The Heritage Employee Fund, The Heritage, 3400 Laguna St. San Francisco, CA 94123.