The words on Lorraine Taylor’s headstone read “at last, a long lie in”. For a woman who fostered hundreds of children, was made an MBE and whose fundraising helped buy Banff three defibrillators, it’s an apt sign-off.
The community stalwart died aged 73 following a recent hospital admission.
Banff quine
Born on July 23 1949 in Ordens near Banff, Lorraine was the fourth of eight children for farm labourer Bill Thom and his wife Elsie.
She attended Hilton School then Whitehills Junior Secondary but even her after-school farm chores didn’t detract from her studies. Lorraine was runner-up dux before leaving at 15 to become a nursing assistant in Woodland’s Hospital, Aberdeen.
Although she enjoyed living in the city – especially the odd night out to Ma Cameron’s – she returned to Macduff after two years, becoming a clippie on Alexander buses.
Falling in love
In summer 1969, Lorraine met Eddie Taylor from Tarves. His older brother was also married to a bus conductress who introduced them. They got engaged in the summer of 1970 and on September 25 1971 they tied the knot in Cornhill Church with a reception at the Royal Oak in Banff.
A honeymoon in the Granite City followed, including Lorraine’s first and only visit to Pittodrie. The Dons played Rangers and the coarse language put an end to any ambition Eddie had to turn his bride into an Aberdeen fan.
Their first home was in Stuart Lane, Banff. Eddie worked as a joiner and later started his own business.
Adding to the Taylor family
Lorraine worked as a clippie until their first child, Sharon, was born in 1972.
Elaine came along in 1973 and the family moved to Stuart Street, Banff. From there they relocated to Coldhome Street.
A big house with lots of bedrooms, Lorraine initially turned to childminding but by the early 80s she had moved into fostering children.
In December 1983 Gordon moved in and on December 21 1987 Lorraine, Eddie and their girls adopted Gordon into the Taylor family.
They also fostered James from the age of eight. He’s now 38 and Lorraine was his “shared life carer” right up until this year.
Jamie came to the family when he was four and remained there with a “supported lodgings” arrangement. He was latterly able to live independently.
“Mum was as dedicated to Jamie and James as she was to all of us. She was amazing. A true one-off,” said Sharon Leslie, Lorraine’s daughter.
Nearly missed her MBE
Lorraine eventually retired as a full-time foster carer at 65, by which point she had offered a welcoming home to more than 250 children.
She was recognised for her care and commitment locally with a Grampian Online Heroes award where she won “carer of the year” and “hero of heroes” in March this year.
Lorraine was also awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to children and family in Banffshire. Though she almost missed out on the prestigious moment.
A letter arrived from the Lord Chamberlain’s office but Eddie assumed it was junk mail. He was just about to throw it in the bin when Lorraine intervened and rescued her letter.
However, even then it wasn’t straightforward.
Proud Scot Lorraine refused her invitation to Buckingham Palace. Instead she asked to be given the honour at Holyrood Palace instead.
Her request was granted and she received her MBE from the Queen, in Edinburgh.
‘At last, a long lie in’
Over the years Lorraine helped out in Banff youth club where she ran the tuck shop and organised games. She was also part of the Children’s Panel for many years.
She and Eddie also bought three defibrillators for the community. From money raised from Lorraine’s 70th birthday, their golden wedding anniversary and for Eddie’s 70th, Lorraine also purchased one of the defibrillators in his name, for near the chip shop, beside Deveron Sports Centre.
However, that wasn’t the least conventional gift Lorraine purchased for her husband.
On the day of their 44th anniversary, Eddie discovered that she had bought a gravestone with the inscription “At last, a long lie in.”
“It caused quite a stir at the time,” Sharon added.
Kind-hearted
“A’ways donating to charity”, Lorraine had two slogans in life. One was “gie half a way and it will a’ways come back to you.”
The other was “live, love, share, care” which she lived by.
In recent years Lorraine battled underlying health conditions. In February, following a hospital admission, Lorraine was told nothing more that could be done. She had already started planning her funeral only to then make a recovery.
In early November she was admitted to Chalmers Hospital in Banff. She passed away with Eddie by her side on December 2.
Lorraine is survived by Eddie, Sharon, Elaine, Gordon, James and Jamie. She was mother-in-law to Willie, Allan and Nicola and “nannie” of Sean, Abbie, Sophie, Maizie and Jessica.
