Heaven Called and The Sign Lady Answered: Remembering Lorraine Twardowski “The Shipley Road Sign Lady” in Delaware
Her signs which she changed regularly on Shipley Road in North Wilmington, brought words of encouragement and joy to passersby. “Heaven Called and The Sign Lady Answered” currently stands where Lorraine Twardowski displayed her signs.
Thousands knew her through the handmade signs that Lorraine hung at the entrance to her driveway on Shipley Road for the past 40 years. All of the signs were inspirational, uplifting, seasonal, personal, and comical. They will be dearly missed.
Lorraine had a genuine love for reading obituaries, not to learn who had passed away, but to meet those who had lived. She was a proud Delaware native, born in Wilmington on April 13, 1947. She grew up in Wilmington, making friendships and connections and living here her whole life. One of her greatest stories involves helping Bob Marley’s mother with the immigration of the future mega star. In 1972, Lorraine was also nominated to the Outstanding Young Women of America and recognized as the top candidate from Delaware. She also found time to do volunteer work with S.O.S. Vietnam, with the aged and orphaned and for various charitable drives.
Lorraine also became an advocate for couples facing fertility issues, after becoming one of the first women in the country to successfully deliver an IVF baby. The process took 12 years of testing, surgeries, and highs and lows, and ended up with a miracle known as Tamara, Lorraine’s daughter. Since then she advocated for couples facing the same issues and gave presentations at medical schools.
Lorraine volunteered much of her time for children. She was a board member of the Delaware Committee for UNICEF for over 25 years.
On Tuesday morning, God called her home, but her love lives on in those she leaves behind.
To learn more about Lorraine and send flowers, click here.
