Lorraine Manca

Lorraine A. Manca, 89, of Gardner, MA passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on July 4th 2025, surrounded by family.

The daughter of the late Leota (Beaudoin) and Antonio J. Melanson, she was born on September 29, 1935 in Gardner. A true firecracker to the very end Lorraine left this world on a day that perfectly matched her radiant and spirited soul. She was the life of every party-the one who could light up a room with her funny stories and great dance moves. Some of her favorite pastimes were dancing, bowling, traveling to Atlantic City, and cards. She loved nothing more on the holidays than gathering her children and grandchildren around a card table for a game of pitch or Texas hold-em and then promptly beating them with a smile. Fiercely competitive and endlessly fun, she made every game a lesson in laughter and strategy. She also loved the beach and most summer weekends she and her fiancée Ron could be seen on the shores of Salisbury or Hampton beaches eating their favorite foods and listening to the bands on the boardwalk. The beach held a special place in her heart. It was the place that brought her a sense of tranquility and peace.

She graduated from Gardner High School class of 1953 and attended Mount Wachusett Community College. She was employed in the Gardner School department for 15 years as a para-professional and as a branch manager for First Safety Fund National Bank and TD Bank for 20 years. She was also a Notary Public. After retirement she volunteered at the voting polls, Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, The Relay for life, and at the Holy Rosary and Sacred Heart annual Bazaars. She was a long-time communicant of Holy Rosary and Sacred Heart churches.

Lorraine is survived by her loving family who will carry her spirit in their hearts; Fiancée Ron Lovely, Daughter's Tina Griffin (Patrick) of Sagamore Beach and Donna Riggins (Jeffrey) of Gardner and son Peter J. Manca Jr (Jeanne) of Falmouth, as well as her 7 grandchildren; Ryan Griffin (Mollie) of Marshfield, Jaime Griffin and her fiancée Sean O'Connell of Dorchester, Shawn Riggins of Quincy, Samantha Riggins of NYC, Peter Manca III (Caitlin) of Shrewsbury, Andrew Manca of Charlotte, NC and Rachel Manca of Marlborough. She is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren. She leaves her youngest brother Raymond Melanson and his wife Judy of Gardner as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Peter J. Manca who died in 1967, her brothers Arthur and Robert Melanson and her sister Rachel Godin.

As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the impact she had on those fortunate enough to have known her. Rest in peace, Mom.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:00 am in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the Boucher Family Funeral Home, 110 Nichols Street, Gardner.

Donations may be made to the Activities Department at Heywood Wakefield Commons, 50 Pine Street, Gardner, MA. Please reference in memory of Lorraine A. Manca.