Lorraine K. (Deban) Laham of Moss Hill, Boston passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on February 8, 2013. She was 84 years old.
Lorraine was born in Brighton, MA, the youngest of nine siblings. She lived on Commonwealth Avenue and attended the Hamilton Elementary, Edison Middle School and Girl's High School. She and her family were active in Saint George Orthodox Church in the South End. There she met Herbert Laham and they were married for nearly 66 years. They had two sons, Greg and Jeff. Jeff passed in 1995. This was a difficult time for the family. Fortunately, she was befriended by the Holy Transfiguration Monks and the Holy Nativity Convent. They became lifelong friends and were always there for her.
Lorraine lived most of her early life in Brighton. They later purchased their current home on Moss Hill Road in Jamaica Plain. She lived there until her passing.
She remained a homemaker for most of her adult life, until the family purchased Sullivan's Pharmacy in 1976. She worked at Sullivan's Pharmacy for the next 25 years. She helped Sullivan's grow and finally retired in 1998. Her whole life centered around her family. Greg had two sons, James and Keith.
Lorraine loved to travel as evidenced by her three trips to the Middle East, most recently in 1974. Then the grandchildren came and her focus changed from Cairo and Damascus to cruises and Disneyworld. The kids went on every trip. She really never went anywhere without them. The grandchildren stayed with "Gram" and "Jid" as much as they stayed with mom and dad.
As time passed Keith had two boys, Junior and Jordan. Junior is eleven and Jordan is five. The focus again changed to the great grandchildren. They came over constantly and when they weren't with her she would say she hasn't seen them for ages. They went to Grams to play and eat. Jordy loved her hushwee. One night at Olive Garden the waitress said she was Syrian and Jordan, then 4 years old, tried to order chicken and hushwee. She loved to hear about Junior's sports teams.
During the years she had many ailments. When her sister Helen passed in 1991 her niece Marion stayed at Lorraine's side for the last 20 years. Marion was entirely devoted and was there for her till the end.
With this last illness Lorraine made it clear that she was not going to be hospitalized and wanted to die in her own home. She and Marion went to the E.R. many times over the last several years, always going home against medical advice. Anyone who knew her would not be surprised.
When she passed she was at home with family by her side.
Lorraine was also sister of the late Freda Hanna, Helen Zahlaway, Mathilda Teebagy, Nellie Laham, Frederick Deban, Margaret Resha, Elizabeth Weinstein and Edith Eouse. Beloved aunt of Marion Zahlaway and several other loving nieces and nephews. Dear sister-in-law of Rose Deban of Brighton.
Lorraine's Funeral Service was held February 13, 2013 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 55 Emmonsdale Rd. WEST ROXBURY.
Please make contributions in Lorraine’s memory to the Jeffrey L. Laham Memorial Fund c/o St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Lorraine was laid to rest with her son Jeffrey at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Boston.