Lorraine Chai Priore, born on July 9, 1929 in Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away July 12, 2019. She is survived by daughter, Paris Priore-Kim; son-in-law, Gregory Kim; grandsons, Zachary River Kim and Forrest St. John Kim; brother, David Chai and sister-in-law, Serena Chai. Lorraine graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, with a minor in Anthropology, from the University of Hawai'i in 1951, and received a Professional Certificate in Education from the University of Hawai'i School of Education in 1966. Lorraine earned her pilot's license in 1947, and in 1951, she enlisted in the Air Force, attending officer candidate school, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Lorraine was the first female of Chinese ancestry in the United States to win an Air Force officer's commission. She earned her wings from the United States Officer's Candidate School at the Lackland Air Force Base. She was initially stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base in Atlanta, Georgia, then at Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Germany, and later at Fontainebleau, France. On March 12, 1954, Lorraine married Vincent J. Priore, and they remained married until his death in 1981. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Lorraine was employed by Spencecliff Corporation from 1963 -1966. She taught French at Kailua Intermediate School from 1966 -1968, and at Roosevelt High School from 1968 -1984. Lorraine did extensive volunteer work. She volunteered at Queen's Medical Center emergency as liaison between patients and staff, at Oahu Community Correctional Center, where she tutored inmates in English, at Family Court, where she was a family liaison, and at Lanakila Elementary School, where she was a tutor. There will be a private service. No flowers please. Donations may be made to Epiphany Church, 1041 10th Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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