Mrs. Mary Lorraine Gardas of Franklin, formerly of East Boston and Lynn, died Sunday evening November 26, 2017 at St. Antoine’s Residence Special Care Unit in North Smithfield, RI.
Lorraine was born in Boston, July 30, 1928, daughter of the late Thomas Hughes and Grace (Sutherland) Hughes.
Raised and educated in East Boston, she worked for many years at Teddy Peanut Butter in Boston before retiring to raise her family.
Lorraine was the wife of the late George L. Gardas. Loving mother of G. Thomas Gardas of Wrentham, Beverly Gardas of Cumberland, RI, Christopher (Lisa) Gardas of Blackstone and the late Paul L. Gardas. Sister of the late Kathleen Magee, Margaret Ruth Deveau, Elizabeth Grace Hilton, Bernard Hughes, Eileen Morin and Beverly Neary. Loving and proud grandmother of Craig Chipman (Guinnevere Hand-Boniakowski) of Bristol, VT, Joshua (Jillian) Chipman of Norfolk, Erik Chipman of Cumberland RI and Stacie Gardas of Salem. Cherished great-grandmother of Avery, Tanner, Joshua and Maddie.
Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, especially Maureen Flammia and family and Lorna Liacos and family.
A warm and gentle spirit, Lorraine left this world surrounded by the love of family as well as those charged with her care. Ever kindhearted, giving and fun-loving, Lorraine always had a smile for a stranger and a tight hug for those she loved. Simple joys were her favorite...reading a child a book, cooking a hot meal for you, or just sitting and talking about life. She enjoyed a long and happy life with many dear friends and family on the north shore of Boston before moving to Franklin 30 years ago to be near her children and grandchildren. There she forged many new friendships with people she held very dear. By far her greatest joy came with time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lovingly helped raise her three grandsons and took great pride in the wonderful men they have become. Her face would light up at the sight of her great-grandchildren, Avery and Tanner, for whom she was the perfect playmate willing to climb into a tent, play dress up or just read a quiet book.
Her family wishes to recognize the loving care Lorraine received at St. Antoine’s Villa and Special Care Unit during her two years as a resident there.
Private services have been held.
Expressions of sympathy in Lorraine’s name may be made to either Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Antoine’s Residence Special Care Unit, Attn: Lisa Schenk, 10 Rhodes Avenue, North Smithfield, RI 02896, for their activities fund.