Obituary
Lorraine A. Sheldon, 81 of Port Orange, Florida, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Brookdale Assisted Living. Lorraine was born in Fulton, NY to the late Kenneth and Jane Sheldon.
Lorraine attended Fulton Schools where she graduated in 1961. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from Brockport State University, she briefly taught elementary school in Baldwinsville and Fulton. Lorraine married Edward J. Coakley in 1966 and dedicated herself to raising a family that included three boys.
She will be remembered by many as a passionate real estate professional that deeply enjoyed her relationships with clients and colleagues. After being mentored by Bill and Gene Abell, she acquired their real estate business with a partner, Bonnie Hodge, and later became the sole Broker/Owner of ERA Abell Real Estate in Fulton, NY. Following this accomplishment, she became a successful Broker/Owner of GHI Real Estate in Daytona Beach, FL with her second husband, the late George Heller.
Lorraine was proud of her time participating in several professional organizations in Oswego County, NY as well as Volusia County, FL. From the time she was crowned the Queen of the Oswego County Vegetable Growers Association as a child to becoming a leader in the Chamber of Commerce, she enjoyed being an active member of the community. In retirement, she continued to welcome people to her adopted home of Port Orange where she was known as “The Mayor” at her favorite waterfront restaurant, Boondocks. Her greatest joy in later years was enjoying her family and having her youngest son, Bob, and his family join her in Port Orange.
Surviving are her brother Peter (Deborah) Sheldon and Mary (Peter) Sheldon. Also, surviving are her three sons: Edward (Cory) Coakley, Jeffery (Gretchen) Coakley, Robert (Angela) Coakley. Grandchildren include: Kara (Jennifer) Coakley, Collin Coakley, Amelia (Nathan) Reynolds, Olivia Coakley, Jenna Coakley, Briana Coakley, and Alexandra Coakley as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.
A celebration of her life will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donations to Halifax Health-Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida 32129.
My thoughts are with all the family. Remember all the good times.
She cleaned for them, arranged furniture around and did some cooking. She always looked up to the Mom - Jane, she was our Mom's hero I guess.
I'm Sally ( Sal) Norma's daughter. Mom and I helped clean under the table for Lorraine in 1991 in Fulton, New York. That was my first job and very exciting fun to do also !
I never knew I was cleaning a house for my first grade teacher till years later, I got in contact with her years later ! I always looked up to that teacher also from day one ! I never full filled that dream and never will at 54, but at least I got to be a teachers aide in Pine Grove, PA with 4th graders in a computer class ! Mrs. Otto she was excellent like Lorraine and Mary were to me if I was there other Sister from two different parents of course!
We all are sending our deep condolences and big bear hugs to you all !
Thanks again for everything too !
Love, always
Norma,( Mom), Dan (Bro) and me Sal.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Passing of my friend and business partner. Although we moved away physically we continued our deep friendship. A treasure to everywhere she lived. God shine on her
Wonderful memories that will always be in my heart with Lorraine.
She was not only a wonderful employer, but she became a fantastic friend as well. There were many work weeks and weekends spent together that were filled with love and laughter.
Lorraine had a joyful way about her and made life fun. It was always a pleasant day, when she was in the room.
I appreciated all of her wisdom and guidance, as I navigated life and nursing school during our time spent together.
She was and will always be very close to my heart. I loved her like a Grandmother, and she will live on in spirit for all that loved her.
I feel blessed to have had her in my life, and thankful that our paths crossed during that time period. So very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my heart and prayers.
Sarah Pizzurro ( DiFalco )