Lorraine DeSilva

Lorraine DeSilva departed for Heaven on May 17, 2023.  Lorraine was a resident of Pass Christian, MS. 

Born on May 22, 1931, in Fall River, MA, Lorraine was the daughter of the late John and Mable DeSilva.  She resided in Bermuda from the ages of 4-12, as her father was a Bermudian.  She attended Glebe South Hampton School for the first two grades, then later attended Port Royal School in South Hampton.  In 1943, Lorraine returned to the United States, where she attended Diamond Regional Vocational School in Fall River, MA.

Lorraine is predeceased by her brothers, John DeSilva, Daniel DeSilva, and Benjamin DeSilva. 

Lorraine is survived by four children:  Ruth Cummins (late husband, Michael Cummins), Tanya Petit (husband, Charles Petit), Toni-Marie LaFollette (husband, Thomas LaFollette), and Darren Viveiros (companion, Nicole Barrett).  She was predeceased by her son, Edward Reece.  Lorraine is survived by 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and Bermuda.  She was predeceased by grandson Jody Mazzuchelli.

In her early career, Lorraine worked as a dining room waitress in some of the best restaurants in the greater Fall River area, including the Venus DeMilo in Swansea, MA, and The Coachmen Restaurant in Tiverton, RI.  Lorraine returned to Bermuda in the early 80’s and earned her assistant nursing degree, and worked as a private duty nurse for 20 years.  Lorraine enjoyed both professions, and had a tremendous work ethic, which she passed onto her children. 

Lorraine enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and was a voracious reader.  She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Quinebaug, CT, and enjoyed visiting other churches, as well.  Lorraine was a caring, loving person, who was always there to help a friend or relative in need, in whatever way she could.  She was the embodiment of a good Christian woman, who loved Jesus with all her heart. 

Above all, Lorraine enjoyed spending time with her family, which was the focus of her entire life.  An excellent and enthusiastic cook, Lorraine had a passion for feeding people.  Preparing large feasts for family and friends was one of her greatest joys in life. 

Never a materialistic person, Lorraine’s treasure in this life was her beloved children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.  She was a huge part of her family’s life, and will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 9 – 11 am at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport.  The memorial service will be at 11 am in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Quinebaug Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 253, Quinebaug, CT 06262