Worcester ; Lorraine Marie Charest "Rainey" passed peacefully at the age of 87 on Sunday August 14, 2022, with the presence of her family in her Grafton home where she lived with her youngest son and his spouse. Lorraine was born on November 29, 1934 in Worcester, MA where she resided in her Harlow St. home for over fifty years.
She was the eldest daughter of Julius J. Tremblay, Sr. and Helga Viola Erikson, both of Worcester. The remaining matriarch of the “Tremblay Tribe”, she was predeceased by siblings; Arthur and Julius Jr. Tremblay and wife Ada; Irene Salonis; Dorothy Whitmore; Jean Quilliam and husband Bruce; and in-laws Marsha and George Earley, and Richard Rafferty Sr., and leaves behind remaining brothers Lawrence, Edward and Donald Tremblay, sister Elaine Bourbeau, sister in-law Joanne Rafferty and lifelong best friend Irene Williams.
Rainey was given her nickname from her beloved husband, U.S. Airforce Veteran Arsene D. Charest, Jr., who died in October 1998. A devoted wife of 44 years and widow, she was a nurturing mother of five sons- Arsene “Skip” D. Charest III, who predeceased her in February 2016, Keith Anthony, Kevin Paul, Randy Joseph and Craig Steven Charest- and three daughters Dorene Marie and Holly Ann Charest, and Donna Jean Billsten.
Loving Grandmother of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was predeceased by grandson Paul D. Billsten. She loved playing cards, crafting, coloring and creative projects with her family and long term friends; specifically, ceramics, crocheting and knitting. Additionally, she enjoyed spending time with her large family at outings and county fairs, camping and week long excursions to Hampton Beach and Cape Cod.
A caretaker by nature, Lorraine graduated from David Hale Fanning Girls Trade School, received a Human Services Certificate from Salter’s College and pursued a degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinsigamond Community College. An Occupational Therapist & Aide, caring for nonverbal adults with specific needs, Lorraine worked for over 20 years at Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville, MA where she retired in December of 2006.
Coming from a large family and raising one herself, her Harlow St. home served as a space where children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all the neighborhood kids came to enjoy love and laughter, giving new meaning to the phrase, “Yours, Mine and Ours.” Her genuine love for family and people was the core of who she was. She extended this love outside her home through her charitable support for two children abroad with the Christian Children’s Fund, Veteran Services, Smile Train, the Worcester Food Bank and many other non-profit organizations.
Lorraine was a woman of strong faith and a devoted member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Worcester, MA. An endless source of compassion who embodied an open door, open hearth, open heart policy, her legacy of love and care was witnessed through the efforts and patience required to care for her in her later years. Her youngest son opened his heart and home, embracing these core values of love and compassion, and tending to her needs with his spouse and siblings until she was called home and crossed over into peace.
The family would like to acknowledge the assistance in care for Rainey in her senior years by Summit Elder Services and extend sincerest gratitude to Lynn DeBois, for her loving support until the end.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 2:00-4:30 p.m. at Nordgren’s Funeral Home 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. The Mass of Resurrection will be held the following day- Monday, August 22, 2022- at 10:30 a.m. in St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, concluding with a funeral procession to Notre Dame Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her loving husband. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to Worcester County Food Bank, Veterans Service or Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.