By Bill Morfey

It is with much sadness that I must report to the membership the recent loss of Timbergrove Manor resident and TMCC Board member, Lorraine Cherry. Lorraine passed away on November 25.

A long-time TMCC member, Lorraine was a Director on the TMCC Board and also was a founding member of the Lazybrook/Timbergrove SuperNeighborhood Council. Although she brought her energy and focus to all manner of neighborhood issues, her volunteer work on the Environmental Committees for both TMCC and the SuperNeighborhood Council is worthy of particular note.

Lorraine’s signature achievement for Timbergrove Manor and the Houston community is the more than twenty acres of forest that have been preserved at West 11th Street Park. Starting in 1998, Lorraine led the effort to raise funds for the City’s acquisition of the property from HISD. She was a founder of the nonprofit Friends of West 11th St. Park in 2005 and served as its president. West 11th Street Park was formally established in 2007 and Lorraine worked continuously to maintain the uniqueness of the park while also adding infrastructure to allow the public to enjoy all it has to offer.

Lorraine seamlessly combined elements of leadership and service to create a legacy that will continue to enhance our neighborhood far into the future. Her tireless work for the community and her love of life in general will both be sorely missed.

Lorraine is survived by her husband of 27 years, Dave Dyer (Houston) and her brother, Jeff Kasmar (Albany, CA). Donations in her honor may be made to Friends of West 11th Street Park, P.O. Box 7679, Houston, Texas 77270-7679 or through their website at www.west11thstreetpark.org.