Oldest female World War II veteran lived life to the fullest

Lorraine Beaudin, Cadott, holding her graduation photo to show then and now, was honored on her 100th birthday, Nov. 2, by honorary membership to the Eau Claire American Legion. She was a member of the Eau Claire American Legion Auxiliary for many years, but was incredibly proud and happy to have dual membership.

By Ginna Young

Service to her country ran deep in Lorraine (Wilson) Beaudin’s family, which is why the 100-year-old World War II veteran joined the Navy on her 22nd birthday in 1944. Lorraine was born in Minnesota, Nov. 2, 1922, but grew up in Cornell, graduating from high school, before serving in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. Navy Waves, as a Seaman First Class.

“But I was doing third work,” she said. Lorraine’s father served in the Army, while her three brothers also served – one in the Navy and two in the Army, and her sister worked in a defense plant. Lorraine worked in the Family Allowance Bureau, from 1944-46, where she investigated if a sailor was eligible to send a check to his family or his wife.

She says she liked the work, but as a small town girl, Washington, D.C., was just too big for her.

“I could have gotten another rank, but I was homesick,” said Lorraine.

Lorraine met her husband, Glen, also a Cornell native, at a dance and the two knew it was meant to be. Strangely, though they were from the same town, the two never met until Lorraine was home on leave and saw each other at a dance.

“He knew my mother before he knew me,” she laughed. Even though Lorraine didn’t make the Navy her lifelong career, the discipline of the service stayed with her throughout the rest of her life. That discipline served her well, as she worked day jobs and in restaurants, while Glen worked in factories.

“A wife has more to do than working out,” she said. “She has three jobs.”

The couple lived for a time in Milwaukee, then Eau Claire, before retiring to their home in Cadott, that Lorraine’s lived in for 40 years. Unfortunately, Glen passed away in 2006, just a couple months after their son died.

Even though their only other child, a daughter, lives several hours away, as well as many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, Lorraine hasn’t been lonely. Up until just a few months ago, she was still driving herself everywhere, otherwise “she wouldn’t get out of the house.” Calls from her daughter and brother also kept her connected to family, as well as her church family.

She also met with the “girls” to play cards every Sunday night, in each other’s houses and garage saling was a must to find those 25 cent treasures.

When not on the go, Lorraine read, but no gardening for her, since that’s what she grew up doing.

“Have you ever weeded carrots when they’re first coming up?” she asked, shaking her head in disgust. “I don’t bake, ’cause I’d have to eat it and I don’t need it.”

Perhaps Lorraine’s greatest memory calling on her veteran past, was when she was part of a Freedom Flight a number of years ago. When describing the event, tears formed, as she remembered children cheering for the veterans.

She was called to go a second time, but declined, as she wanted someone else to have the same feeling she did about the trip.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” said Lorraine. Lorraine was also honored as she hit the century mark, by becoming a dual member of the Eau Claire American Legion Post 53 and Eau Claire American Legion Auxiliary, of which she has belonged for many years. Coming from a time when women were not active in the military, Lorraine helped pave the way for female Legion commanders and set a precedent for patriotism.

“It’s inside of you and you’ll never forget it,” she said of her love of her country. “You got to know right from wrong.”

Lorraine’s spirit and spunk seemed timeless, but exactly a week after her 100th birthday, she passed away quietly in her home. It’s believed that Lorraine was the oldest living female World War II veteran in Chippewa County.

While she may be gone, her joy-filled life has touched many a soul and will live on for years to come.

As a final parting thought, Lorraine encouraged people to never completely grow up and to have fun, in whatever makes their heart happy and keeps them young on the inside.

“Age is only a number,” she said.

[caption id="attachment_160243" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lorraine (front) volunteered to serve her country in the Navy on her 22nd birthday, as part of the Waves.[/caption]