Lorraine Blakely

EASTON/STURBRIDGE - Lorraine Vivian Blakely, 87, formerly of Sturbridge, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2011, after a long illness.  She was born July 12, 1923, and raised in Southbridge, MA, the daughter of the late Dorilda (Fountaine) Garceau Dupaul and Leo Garceau, and stepfather, Henry S. Dupaul.  She was the loving wife of Abraham “Linc” Blakely, of 48 years, who passed away in 1989.

She leaves her son Mark, and his wife, Loretta Blakely and granddaughter, Jessica Blakely, all of Easton, MA; her brother, Norman, and his wife, Muriel Garceau, of Southbridge; stepbrother, Norman, and his wife, Pauline Dupaul, of CT; her sister- in-laws, Nancy Blakely, of CT, Bertha Dresser, of MD, and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by in-laws William & Ruth Blakely, John & Ester Blakely, Mae Blakely, Irene Blakely, Richard Dresser and Al Simonds.

She attended Nicolet Academy in Nicolet, Quebec, Canada.

Lorraine started her working career at the American Optical Co., and worked at several local manufacturing companies.  She also worked for The Donut Chateau, Grants, and eventually moved on to her passion in life as a health aid, serving many in the surrounding community.

She was a member of the Franco American War veterans women’s auxiliary and enjoyed many senior events in the community. She frequented the southern Rhode Island coast and was known for her good sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, April 2, in Notre Dame Church, Main St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in North Cemetery, Maple St., Sturbridge, MA.  The Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to: BWH Cardiovascular Disease Fellows Educational Enrichment Fund, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02216.