Lorraine Trytell z'l
Lorraine was born in Adelaide on 6 July 1933 to parents, Samuel and Dora Gild.
Her parents were both proud Australians who were involved in both the Adelaide Jewish and secular community. Her father, Samuel was a Mayor of the City of Unley, influential in the Government as well as a Trustee of the Adelaide Hebrew Congregation.
Her mother, Dora was a renowned Opera Singer who died suddenly when Lorraine was only 15 years old. As the only girl in the family, Lorraine took over running the household looking after her father and two elder brothers, Ron, and Alf. Proudly she accompanied her father on all his Mayoral duties while completing her studies.
Lorraine’s sense of community was apparent from a young age. She played tennis for Maccabi, involved herself in WIZO Revues and enjoyed the Arts.
After Lorraine finished her studies she moved to Melbourne in a search of a more Jewish life and to find a husband. In July 1957 she married Adrian Trytell in Adelaide, but she still made Melbourne her home until shortly after her daughter, Deborah was born in August 1958 when she moved back so her husband could take up a position in Adelaide and she could be closer to her father and brother.
Once back in Adelaide she kept herself busy caring for her young family and her involvement in many secular, Jewish and Zionist causes. She was conscientious founding member of SPELD (SA) an educational support network for children with dyslexia, a tireless worker for WIZO Nirim, WIZO State Secretary for many years before taking on the role of State President from 1984 to 1986. If this was not enough for one person, she also embraced communal life by being an active member of B’nai Brith, the Synagogue Ladies Guild and volunteering to play piano for the children of Masada College in Adelaide, where her beloved grandchildren attended. When her husband took on the role of State President of JNF (SA) she supported his fundraising and stood by him devoting her life to yet another Jewish charity.
Adrian worked very long hours and you could always find her at home busying herself, cooking, cleaning, knitting, making jams, baking, gardening, or organising fundraisers for the children’s schools. She never said no to anyone. You could always count on her support!
In 1987, when Adrian retired, she decided to move with him and her son Daniel to Melbourne once again. She had loved the exciting life Melbourne offered and quickly made new friends by joining WIZO Tsafon, B’nai Brith and Heartbeat (VIC). She went on to accept the challenge to be an Executive Member of WIZO Victoria and President of WIZO Tsafon.
Lorraine was a balaboosta in the true sense. She held the family together with love, laughter, discipline, and delicious food. She loved spending time with her three grandchildren, Justin, Rachel and Zac but her greatest love was helping make other people’s lives better through her charitable work.