Lorraine E. Fletcher, 82, of Worcester died Sunday, August 11th in the Jewish Health Care Center.
Her husband of 53 years, Ronald E. Fletcher, Sr. died in November 2012. She is survived by her three sons, Ronald E. and his wife, June, William J. and his fiancé, Karen, and Robert C. and his wife, Kim; four brothers, Samuel Dixon and his wife, Donna, Richard Dixon and his wife, Dorothy, Robert Dixon and his wife, Kristie, Paul Dixon and his wife, Pattie-Jo; nine grandchildren, Kimberly, Jenna, Julia, Emily, Lynsey, Cameron, Lauren and Kayla; seven great grandchildren, Kady, Elana, Eric Jr., Nathaniel, William, Gabriella, and Greyson; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her pen pal of 72 years in Sheffield England Pauline and her husband, Ian Richmond. She was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Steuterman; and a grandson, William Fletcher, Jr.
Lorraine was born in Worcester, the daughter of Samuel and Lorraine (Lessard) Dixon and lived here all her life. She attended Worcester Public Schools and Quinsigamond Community College. Lorraine worked as a bookkeeper for Abby’s House, a multi-service organization for Homeless and Abused women and children, retiring in June of 2006.
She was president of the Forkey Avenue/Sherer Trail Improvement Association for 25 years; with help of the neighbors, they addressed the issue of closing the right of way on First Street. Five years later and many fundraising efforts the Superior Court in Boston found in favor of the neighborhood. First Streets right of way will remain open permanently. She was the leader of Girl Scout Troop #38 and troop consultant for 14 years at Our Lady of the Angels. She received the Women of Distinction award from the Girl Scout Council in 2002. She was a member and president of the women’s guild at St. Andrew the Apostle Church. She enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially baking pastry. She loved to paint, attended oil painting class at the Worcester Art Museum. She also taught tole painting and ceramics in her home to many friends and neighbors. She was an avid reader, loved to knit and quilt. She always felt family was the most important part of her life and enjoyed watching all the grandchildren grow into fine young people. Lorraine and Ron traveled to England many times, getting together every two years with the Richmond’s. They love to travel through New England, Maine Beaches being a favorite.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24th beginning at 10:00am in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street. A calling hour will be on Saturday, August 24th from 9:00am until the start of the service in the funeral home. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Abby’s House, ARST Fund, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or the Worcester Art Museum Adult Scholarship Program, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.