VC Athletics Mourns Loss of Hall of Famer Lorraine (Mercado) Zorn

The Ventura College Athletic Department is saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Fame inductee Lorraine (Mercado) Zorn '83. The former Pirate cross country and track standout passed away Sunday March 1, 2026 in St. Joseph, MO. A Celebration of Life service will be held at New Life Community Church in Oxnard, 1251 N Rice Ave., on April 9th, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Lorraine was born on November 10, 1962 in Oxnard to the late Lupe Villa and Lupe Mercado. After a standout running career at Oxnard High School, she matriculated to Ventura College in 1981.

During her freshman year of collegiate Cross Country, Lorraine was the Western State Conference champion and was selected as the WSC Women's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Year. In 1982, Lorraine repeated as the Cross Country WSC Champion and as the WSC Women's Runner-of-the-Year. Lorraine concluded her sophomore season with a sixth-place finish in the California State Cross Country Championships.

As a sophomore in track and field in 1983, Lorraine was WSC Champion in the 1500 and 3000 meter runs. She finished her track career at VC by earning fourth place in the California State Championships. Lorraine still holds the Pirates' school record in the 1500 meters (4:34.6). In 1983, Lorraine was voted the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame Athlete-of-the-Year.

Lorraine continued her track and cross country career at the University of California at Irvine, where she also received her B.A. Degree. In 1983, her junior year, the Anteater Women won the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA). Lorraine took fifth place overall. The Anteaters progressed to the NCAA Regionals in Eugene, Oregon where Lorraine placed 21st overall and the Anteater Women placed third. They advanced to the NCAA Finals in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

During her senior year, she again helped the Anteaters win the PCAA title, placing third overall. The Anteaters advanced to the NCAA Regionals in Arizona, but narrowly missed a berth in the NCAA Finals.

After college, Lorraine worked for the City of Oxnard as a Recreation Coordinator. She worked there for five years before relocating with her husband, Dave, to Porterville, Calif. Lorraine was hired by the City of Tulare, first as a Community Services Coordinator and later she was promoted to Senior Services Administrator. They later relocated to the St. Joseph, MO area.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, David; son, Matthew Zorn; daughter, Jordyn Zorn; twin-brother, Larry Mercado and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.