Marlborough – Lorraine Rachel (Lawson) Westerberg, 84, died at her home Tuesday June 14, 2011, after a period of failing health. She was the daughter of the late Leonard and Gerda (Nelson) Lawson, and a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Marlborough and the National Christian Women's Club..
Born in Brockton, she spent her early years there before meeting her husband, the Rev. Robert J. Westerberg, and beginning her life of service as a minister's wife, a calling she loved and enjoyed as they moved from Church assignment to Church assignment. Following their retirement from Danville, Penn., the Westerbergs moved to Marlborough to be with their daughter.
She is survived by her son, Peter J. Westerberg of Elmhurst Ill.; her daughters, Rachel L. Corneau of Methuen, Joan E. George of Marlborough and Janice R. Westerberg of Cambridge; her grandchildren, Ashley Jina, Kelley, Christopher, Zachary, Erik, Maria and Jacqueline; her twin sister, Lucille Ahnquist; and several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Saturday June 18, at 10 a.m., in the First Lutheran Church of Brockton, 900 Main St., Brockton, with her nephew, the Rev. Jonathan Ahnquist, officiating. Burial will be in Melrose Cemetery of Brockton. A memorial service in her memory will be held Friday June 17, at 11 a.m., in St. Stephen's Church, 537 Bolton St., Marlborough. Visiting hours at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home will be Friday June 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 537 Bolton St., Marlborough, MA 01752. For online condolences, visit www.shortfuneral.com.
