Lorraine P. Charest

It is with deep sadness and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Lorraine P. Charest on October 9, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on February 10, 1934, Lorraine was a remarkable woman who lived her life with love, creativity, and a unique sense of humor. She brought joy to everyone who knew her, and her legacy will forever be carried in our hearts.

 Lorraine was a true original. She never had a pocket without a tissue, and we often joked that the tissue company would go out of business without her. She had a fascination with cats throughout her life and held a special place in her heart for strays, especially her beloved cat, Lion, who was her constant companion.

 She was also Elvis Presley’s biggest fan. Our visit to Graceland in 1982 became one of her favorite memories, and she never stopped talking about it. Elvis was a lifelong passion, and his music brought her joy.

 Lorraine was the original "MacGyver" of our family. She had an amazing ability to create things out of almost nothing. Whether it was fixing something around the house or coming up with a clever solution to a problem, her ingenuity never ceased to amaze us.

 She was also the “Queen of Bags.” Every grocery or department store bag she received was carefully folded and stored away. Everything had its place, and it always went in a bag within a bag. This simple quirk brought smiles to all of us who loved her.

 Traveling was another passion for Lorraine. She loved it when Rick and Mia would take her to concerts, long weekends away, or embarking on day trips—any excuse to escape home and explore something new. Her love for pools was legendary; our hotel stays were often based on whether the hotel had a pool, and she always cherished those moments of relaxation and fun.

 Always impeccably dressed, Lorraine took pride in matching her outfits perfectly. Her sense of style was one of grace and elegance, even in her later years. Christmas was another special time for her. She adored decorating her home, and each holiday season, her house sparkled with the warmth and joy of the season.

 Lorraine was a fighter. She survived colon cancer, enduring over a month of radiation. Though the radiation treatment affected her tendons and forced her to give up driving, she faced the challenge with her typical strength and grace. Even when she had to sell her car, she never lost her spirit.

 Lorraine leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and resilience. She will be remembered for her cleverness, her unwavering love of animals, and the warmth she brought to every occasion. Most of all, she will be remembered for being a loving mother and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her.

 Rest in peace, Lorraine. We will miss you more than words can express, but we are forever grateful for the beautiful memories and the love you gave us.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the St. Raphael Parish, 103 Walker St., Manchester NH 03102.