Lorraine E Wales

Lorraine Elizabeth Arcese Wales departed on Saturday, February 3rd, in the caring hands of the Kendal Granville staff and Hospice of Central Ohio,  surrounded by her family and the spirit of her recently deceased husband of 67 Years, George S. Wales.

Lorraine was born on May 15, 1932 in Newton, MA to Italian immigrants, Anthony and Dora Arcese. She was raised in Newtonville, MA with her three siblings, Norman, Florence and Joan. Lorraine distinguished herself at an early age with her musical gifts on the piano. She was a strong student and a bit of a social butterfly too.

Lorraine's musical ability played a prominent role throughout her life. At the age of 13, she was invited to perform with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. She played the piano parts for all of the school plays. She had a great gift for playing by ear and throughout her childhood, would often be at the piano playing the latest show tunes for her friends to sing a long, a favorite activity that continued with her family and friends into her adult life.

Lorraine attended Colby College and married George Wales (her childhood crush). They had three children while living in New England and then moved throughout the south pursuing careers and dreams for their family.  Lorraine's music interests continued as she accompanied choirs and gave piano lessons while raising her children. One of Lorraine's greatest gifts to her children and grandchildren was this love of music, which they’ve made central in their own lives.

After moving to Granville, Ohio in 1971, Lorraine soon was on track to work in a variety of capacities at Denison University. She was first hired as the musician for the dance department where she developed her improvisational talents accompanying ballet and modern dance classes. In 1979 Lorraine landed her dream job when she was selected to lead the newly established Vail Series at Denison. For several years, she had also served as Director of Denison's Student Union. But presenting the magic of music and performance with the help of her colleagues and her army of devoted Vail student interns was her true passion. For 34 years she presented over 120 concerts with legendary attention to detail.  Many of the world's finest artists were brought to the Swasey Chapel stage to give free concerts to students, faculty and the Granville community. The list of great performers included, Yo Yo Ma,  Itzhak Perlman, Maya Angelou, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Renee Fleming, Yuja Wang, Wynton Marsalis and Jesse Norman, to name a few.  Lorraine's goal was to give artists such a spectacular and unforgettable experience with Denison's Vail Series that they would eagerly return to Granville, Ohio for future concert engagements.  

Lorraine was a talented cook and consummate hostess, developing wonderful life-long friendships with many artists, Denison colleagues, countless students, and members of the community. She and George relished entertaining friends at their dinner table or on their porch for long evenings of food, wine and talk.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Craig (Virginia), Douglas (Valerie) and Jennifer (Edward).  Her grandchildren Geran, Abby and Maya.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Central Ohio or Licking Land Trust.

A public memorial service for Lorraine and George Wales will be held on March 31 at Bryn Du Mansion from 2 to 5 P.M..

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