Obituary: Lorraine K. Young, 86, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Lorraine K. Young of Branford, passed on August 7th, 2021. She was born in Springfield, MA on January 10, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Irene and John Kelly. Lorraine was the beloved wife of 22 years to the late William F. Gallagher.

Lorraine was a life-long learner. She graduated from the College of Our Lady of the Elms 1957 with a degree in Chemistry and Biology. She went on to attend the University of Oklahoma Investment School, the University of New Haven Graduate School, Yale School of Organization and Management, as well as Stonier Graduate School of Banking. In 2013, Lorraine received her Master’s degree in Business from Southern Connecticut State University. She utilized her education and intellect to better the community. Her thesis research focused on public sector strategic adaptation and transitioning shelters to end homelessness, which she presented at a conference in San Diego, California. She also published her scholarly work in the International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research.

An independent and proud woman, Lorraine took pride in her 24 years in banking. She began her career as a teller at the Community Banking Company in 1974. She went on to work at the Bank of New Haven, achieving the position of Executive Vice President. She also used her financial knowledge in her three years as Executive Director at the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. During this time, she negotiated union contracts, engineered administration, increased educational programs, and rose over $6 million dollars to successfully restructure and save the fourth oldest symphony orchestra in America.

Lorraine was passionate about the city of New Haven and its residents. She was one of the founders of Life Haven, Inc., now a part of New Reach non-profit organization, which supports women and children affected by homelessness. Throughout her life, she served on several board appointments, including: Highland Heights, Life Haven, Inc., The Quinnipiack Club, New Haven Regional Chamber of Commerce, New Haven Symphony, Saint Raphael Foundation, Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and the Whitney Center.

She was dedicated to her local community and held a seat on the Town of Branford Board of Finance for over 20 years. Lorraine was also a long-time member of St. Mary Church. She enjoyed her involvement in the fundraising campaign to build the church hall in 2010.

Lorraine received many honors throughout her lifetime. She was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Elms College. She was also a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society in Business at SCSU, Community Representative to the Medical Ethics Committees at HSR-Yale New Haven Hospital, and a member of Philanthropy Committee, and recognized in Who's Who of American Women.

Through her many travels, Lorraine lived her life to the fullest. Her faith inspired many of her trips around the world. She attended the canonization of Mother Theresa in Rome, whom she met during the development of Life Haven. Lorraine also went on a pilgrimage to France and Italy through St. Mary’s Church. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband to Ireland and England to celebrate her heritage.

Lorraine is survived by her children: Kelly Young of Key West, FL, Loren Young Munroe (Patrick) of Branford, CT, Meghan Drago (Michael) of Trenton, NJ, Christopher Young (Gloria) of Guilford, CT, her grandchildren: Leah Dodd (Adam), Julia Munroe, Sophia Cotter (Brandon), Henry & George Drago, Noah & Zachary Young, and her great grandchildren: William Gregory Dodd and Andrew Peter Cotter.

Lorraine will be missed dearly by all those listed above, as well as her sister Irene Kelly of Michigan and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Lorraine was predeceased by her sons Kenneth, Keith, and Gregory Young, her grandson, Peter Drago, as well as her brothers Edward and James Kelly.Thank you to all who tenderly cared for Lorraine before her passing as well as her many friends who enriched her life throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lorraine’s memory to Life Haven, Inc.