Lorraine Chiacchia Obituary

Lorraine Ann Chiacchia, 2 weeks shy of turning 96-years-old passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after declining health. She was the loving wife of the late Richard Francis Chiacchia, treasured mother of the late Laurie Ann Chiacchia and proud grandmother of the late John Rocco Franciose, Jr.

Lorraine (Rainey) was born in Framingham, MA and attended Framingham High School where she was actively involved with the Student Council, was Class Benefactor and chaired numerous committees and drives as well as being voted "most popular."

After high school she attended Framingham Union Hospital School of Nursing in 1947 where she pursued a nursing degree, which she held proudly close to her heart. Her children always consulted her for medical advice, and she would manage any issue with a calming and knowledgeable voice.

She married the love-of-her life, Richard "Dickie" Chiacchia on June 9, 1951, and settled in Framingham, MA where they brought-up their seven children. The family eventually moved to Natick, MA in 1968 and experienced a home filled with delicious home-cooked food, music, singing and laughter! Lorraine adored, Elvis, his music, and the melodious sounds of the1950's. For her 90th birthday celebration the highlight of her special day was an Elvis impersonator who sang songs to her as she smiled wide!

"Mrs. C" as she was affectionately called by many of her children's friends was frequently visited by many as she was a great conversationalist and of course she fed them all, including the strays! She was an amazing cook and baker, always made outstanding dinners and delicious, sweet desserts from scratch, and although she was not Italian, was especially known for her delicious lasagna and Italian food which was unsurpassed!

She was a talented sewer and sewed matching outfits for her five girls for many years, made slipcovers etc., a talented and creative person, she painted and perfected woodworking, took-on several home repairs and she created a beautiful rock garden outside to beautify the backyard.

If someone needed help, her charitable and unselfish care would always kick in. She brought more than a few people through very tough times including those with cancer; driving and supporting them through their illnesses and never wanted any accolades for her kindness! For years she delivered "Meals on Wheels" to the elderly and exemplified what a true "caregiver" is!

For enjoyment she took a vacation for years to Aruba with her beautiful daughter, Laurie, and cherished friend, Ruthie Canoni, and had a number of good friends on the island. She enjoyed the casinos, especially Twin Rivers and Foxwood's and was frequently "comped" from the bigger establishments. In her leisure time she took pleasure in playing the lottery and scratch tickets, mostly the Cashword game. She was an avid New England Patriot's fan and loved watching football games and her, "Tommy boy!"

The most important thing in her life was her family and spending time with her close friends including Daphne Balboni. Lorraine was strong, elegant, graceful, and enormously generous and the most caring, devoted, loving and proud mother/matriarch to her children! She endured countless years of debilitating arthritis and pain, living her life with dignity and rarely asked anyone for anything!

She was the breath, heart, soul, and foundation of each of her loving children and will be sorely missed.

Lorraine is survived by her six children: Patrick Chiacchia of Milford, Thomas Chiacchia and his wife Donna of Whitinsville, Linda Balboni and her husband Robert of Franklin, Pamela Chiacchia of Natick, Paula Franciose of Natick, and Marcia Marinelli of Bellingham. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Tiler Balboni of Milford, Briana Copponi of Bellingham, Olivia Chiacchia of Los Angeles, CA, Dante Chiacchia of Providence, RI, Timari Marinelli of Franklin, and great-grandmother to, Ruby Dawn born in January 2025.

At Lorraine's request "A Celebration of Life-Service" will be held at: John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick, MA 01760 on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, visiting hours: 10:00am-12:00pm Followed by a private Interment at St. Patrick's Cemetery In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Lorraine's honor to: Shriners Hospital for Children Shrinerschildrens.org

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