Lorraine M. Fortin, 89, passed away peacefully in the Jewish Healthcare Center on Sunday, December 21, 2025, after a period of declining health.
Lorraine was born in Westfield, MA and raised in Worcester by her loving parents, the late Wilfrid E. and Edna J. (Bernard) Sawyer. Lorraine was educated at Commerce High School, Class of ‘54. Prior to becoming a homemaker, she worked at Mechanics Bank and Norton Co. After raising her children, she worked at the Visiting Nurses Association, the Jewish Home, and Assumption College as a post office clerk from which she retired.
Lorraine was a long-time parishioner of Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church in Worcester where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. Her musical talent encompassed choir memberships at St. Gabriel School of Music, Worcester Chorus, and her home parish of St. George Church, Worcester, where she also served as an organist.
She and her late husband, Roger, shared a deep love and commitment to family which they valued above all else. Lorraine fiercely supported her children, had a special connection with her sister, Rita, cherished her nieces and nephews, and maintained life-long connections with many childhood friends. Her grandchildren brought her special joy and the bond they had was truly beautiful. “Camp Memere” was always open for business and her return customers never grew too old to attend. She attended countless sporting events for her grandchildren, beaming with pride regardless of the outcome of the game.
A wordsmith extraordinaire, Lorraine enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, word games, trivia-based games, and looked forward to playing along with Jeopardy nightly. Family game nights were highly anticipated, often resulting in Lorraine humbly coming out the winner every time. She will be remembered by many for her quick-witted sense of humor. She also had a deep love of animals and learning about all things related to nature.
Lorraine was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Roger R. Fortin in December 2023. She is survived by her children, David R. Fortin and wife, Linda of Bellvue, CO, Michele T. Aubin and husband, Gerard, and Marc S. Fortin all of Worcester; grandchildren, Austin R. Fortin, Dalton J. Fortin, and Amy K. (Fortin) Nix; Jessica L. (Aubin) LeVasseur, Jordan T. Aubin, and Jared M. Aubin; great granddaughter, Iris Nix. She was also predeceased by her beloved sister Rita Hayes and her husband Deacon Myles “Ray” Hayes.
The family would like to thank all the compassionate staff, from the front desk to the 5th floor, at the Jewish Healthcare Center who lovingly cared for Lorraine. She had a fan club who doted on her, gave her unconditional love, and were a source of much joy and comfort.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family on Monday, January 5th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Her funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Holy Family Parish, 35 Hamilton Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center at https://www.jhccenter.org/make-a-donation/.