Lorraine Jean Wilder, 81, passed away from cancer with courage and dignity on November 20 at her home in Berlin with family at her side. For many years, she and her late husband Ivers had lived in Worcester on property they transformed from a wooded lot into a beautiful manicured homestead. Lorraine was a religious woman, though she did not often attend church, she knew that God was everywhere and heard her prayers. Lorraine was born August 10, 1935 in Danville, VT and was the youngest child of Charles and Gladys Bryer Pillsbury. Her siblings included Charles Pillsbury, Maybelle Barnett, Charlotte Smith, Mona Pillsbury, all deceased, and surviving her are Gladys Spencer of Milford, NJ and Richard Pillsbury of Kimberling City, MO. Lorraine attended St. Johnsbury Academy. She married Ivers M. Wilder Jr. on July 5, 1952 and spent 56 years together until he died in 2008. They raised their five children in Montpelier. First born was Milon, who died in 1980 and left his wife Debra and daughter. Lorraine's surviving children and their partners are Denise Wilder (Michael Fullerton) of North Calais; Jean Wilder (William Devaughn) of Montpelier; Les Wilder (Angela) of Worcester; and Ruth Wilder (Peter Mayhew) of Marshfield. Lorraine retired from the Vermont Department of Employment and Security in 1996 where she was employed for 26 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Vermont Motor Vehicle Department. Lorraine enjoyed her positions, but could not wait for her retirement so she and Ivy could spend more time with family, friends and travel through the United States. A vivacious woman, Lorraine loved company and made her home welcoming by cooking many birthday and holiday meals. She spent her leisure time gardening, knitting, sewing, rug hooking and baking while listening to classic country music. She was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Montpelier, the Women's Auxiliary VFW Post 792, and the Good Neighbor Club of Worcester. Some of the dearest words to Lorraine were to hear Gram and Great Gram. She has four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: Jennifer Wilder and her children Christopher and Jade Perry of Berlin; Thurman (Harmony) Wilder and their children Olivia and Ariana and his step son Kyle of Barre; Amber (Jake) Larrabee and their sons Landin, Jaxin, and Corbin of Barre; Michael (Annie Michaud) and his sons Riley and Devin of Plainfield. Lorraine had deep connections to her special friends and her dogs. She grieved for the passings of Beverly and Fred Fisher of Montpelier and her dogs Ling and Molly. During the last few years, soothing words and laughter have been shared with her dear friends Celia Winters of Plainfield and Faye Sweet of Middlesex. Cousin and Aunt Lorraine was a key player in organizing Bryer family reunions and remembered the birthdays and holidays with many nieces and nephews. Lorraine was especially grateful to the medical care she got from Dr. Kristopher Jensen of Berlin Family Health and for the professional and caring attention of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice staff, and especially to Hospice nurse Kay Gould during the last few months of her life. A memorial service will be at the Worcester United Methodist Church at 11 AM, Friday, December 2nd. A luncheon will follow at the Worcester Town Hall. There are no calling hours. Interment of her ashes will be in the spring at the Worcester Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to charities Lorraine favored such as Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, Inc. 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or local children and women's aid organizations. Online condolences may be sent to www.guareandsons.com