Lorraine Ann Athas (nee Rienzi) died July 12, 2016 in Blue Ridge, GA after a long battle with cancer.

Lorraine was born in Astoria NY to her parents, Christine and Nicholas Rienzi. She graduated from Long Island City High School in 1965. She married Peter Athas in 1991.

Together they ran a successful dive shop in Bradenton Beach, Florida. The business allowed them to pursue their passion for traveling to exotic dive destinations. They retired in 2011 to their retirement cabin in Ellijay, GA. After retirement Lorraine found a new passion. She began volunteering for a local animal charity and helped create a thrift store to support it. She was also an active member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church where she helped run the church’s annual flea market.

Lorraine loved to tend to her garden, can the delicious results of her efforts, and loved to create new recipes. She also enjoyed hiking in local state parks.

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband Peter; her son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Jackie Maartens of Maryville, TN; her daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Jim Ramsey of Parrish, FL; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her son, Charles Forrest.

A service for Lorraine will be held on Saturday July 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ellijay. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lorraine’s life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Homeward Bound at PO Box 792 ,Ellijay, GA 30540.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.