Lorraine Miller Fry

Lorraine Miller Fry, 95, of Chestertown, MD, died January 28, 2019, in the presence of her family. Born in Elmira, NY, on July 31, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Arthur G. L. and Anna Ray Miller, and the oldest of four children. Lorraine grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY, where she graduated from A.B. Davis High School in 1941. She spent her summers away from the city, visiting family in rural Laytonsville, MD, where she met and fell in love with a neighboring farmer, Edwin C. Fry. After high school, Lorraine moved to Washington, DC, to attend Sibley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Lorraine and Ed’s commitment to each other did not waver, and they married in 1945. Lorraine often mentioned the steep learning curve she faced in adjusting from her life in New York City to unfamiliar responsibilities associated with farm life in Laytonsville. While supporting farm demands and raising four children, she also worked as a nurse part-time. Lorraine and Ed moved Fair Hill Farm and their family to Chestertown in 1960, where she continued her nursing career at Kent & Queen Anne’s Hospital, followed by many years as the office nurse for Dr. Gottfried Baumann. In midlife, Lorraine became a student of metaphysical philosophy and was an early adopter of meditation, yoga, and mindful living. These pursuits led her to become a longtime member of Chester River Friends Meeting and to receive the distinction of being a member of the Commentator Group for the School for Esoteric Studies in New York. Lorraine furthered her self-exploration by delving into artistic painting. Her art was individualistic, and for a woman who projected a calm presence, the abstract style with exciting use of color provided evidence of another aspect of her personality. Lorraine found her artistic home on Monhegan Island, ME, where she and Ed purchased a house in 1983, allowing her to spend subsequent summers painting amidst the forest trails and striking coastal setting. An independent woman, Lorraine explored Mayan Ruins in Mexico, traveled to Antarctica, and hiked across New Zealand. She was strongly influenced by her volunteer nursing experience on the Navajo Indian reservation in Tuba City, AZ. Lorraine also volunteered closer to home, furthering the development of the Kent County Public Library, Kent Hospice, and Herron Point. Lorraine was quiet, but confident; rooted, but curious; and expected much of herself, but was forgiving of others. She stated that Ed’s greatest gift to her was his support of her many independent pursuits. Lorraine was preceded in death by Edwin C. Fry, her husband of 67 years, and her sister, LaVerna White. She is survived by her brother, Arthur Miller, of Allenstown, NH; sister, Charlene Lang, of Mt. Airy, MD; daughter Joan Cummings (Doug), of Wilmington, DE; and three sons, Edwin R. (Marian), Robert (Judy Gifford), and Kenneth (Bronwyn), all of Chestertown. Lorraine found great joy in her nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on February 9 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown. In lieu of flowers and in honor of her support of the arts, contributions in memory of Lorraine can be made to the Kent County Arts Council, Inc., 101 Spring Ave., Chestertown, MD 21620.

Lorraine Miller Fry

July 31, 1923 - January 28, 2019