Lorraine (Mohrman) Hepler

GORHAM – Lorraine (Mohrman) Hepler, of Gorham, died peacefully at home on Sept. 29, 2026.

Born in St. Louis, Mo. to William and Alice Mohrman, Lorraine was the first in her family to attend college. After graduating from Jennings High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. She taught at Ferguson High School during the final year of segregation and the first year of desegregation, then continued her education at Columbia University, earning a master’s degree in education. While living at International House in New York City, N.Y., she made friends from around the world, beginning a lifelong appreciation of other cultures and the stories of people from every background. She later pursued a PhD at the University of Iowa.

Lorraine began her career teaching Physical Education at the University of Maine at Orono, where she met Paul Hepler, a horticulture professor. He won her over with fresh tomatoes and vegetables from his garden. They married on Sept. 7, 1959.

After leaving UMO, Lorraine devoted herself to raising their four rambunctious children. She eventually returned to teaching and coaching at the high school level before beginning a long, successful career in school fundraising.

Determined, independent, curious, and adventurous, Lorraine traveled extensively well into her 80s. Her home was a welcoming gathering place for international students, travelers, and friends, many of whom became like family. She believed in giving back, generously supporting causes that reflected her deep concern for the world around her.

She was wonderfully feisty, with a quick wit, an ever-ready joke, and an ability to be both formidable and deeply warm. Lorraine had a gift for making connections, and her generosity, humor, curiosity, and independent spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Paul; brothers William and Roland Mohrman; her Danish international student son, Bent Fuglsbjerg; and beloved border collies Bacchus and BJ.

She is survived by her children, Sharon Hepler, MD, of Plymouth, Minn., Raymond Hepler and wife, Karin, of Healdsburg, Calif., Allen Hepler and wife, Kathrine, of Stetson, Bruce Hepler of Gorham, and Chilean international student son, Luis Morales Delannoi of Santiago, Chile. She also leaves behind grandchildren Rebecca and husband, Mike, Sarah, Eric, Irja, Ada and husband, Josh, Sophie, William, Joseph, Rose, AJ, Lydia and husband, Stephen, and Alexandra; as well as great-grandchildren Harper, Keller, Palmer, Porter, and baby Stephen.

Following a weekend of reminiscing, story-telling, and laughter, with family who had gathered from around the country, Lorraine slipped away quietly, off to her next great adventure.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Nov. 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the White Rock Grange, 33 Wilson Rd., in Gorham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to International House (www.ihouse-nyc.org), the Reed Allen Community Fund (ReedAllen.org), or any cause aligned with your friendship with Lorraine.