Lorraine Small (Johnson) passed away peacefully at home on January 31st. She was 93 years old. Known as Meme to many and given the affectionate nickname of “Darlin’” by her great-granddaughter, the phrase “live, laugh, love” applied to no one better than Lorraine. They were words she lived by every day of her life. Lorraine was proud of her Swedish heritage and of the 73 years of marriage she shared with her husband, Howard T. Small—who passed away on New Year’s Day. There is little doubt her journey onward was made easier by the joyful anticipation of reunification with her loving husband—who never went to bed without kissing his wife goodnight.

Lorraine was born in Woburn, Massachusetts in 1928 to the late Ernest and Ruth Johnson (Peterson). Some of Lorraine’s earliest memories were of boat trips back to her mother’s family home in Stockholm. A graduate of Lexington High School, Lorraine married Howard in 1948. The couple were happy in the post-WWII era—enjoying motorcycle rides and long summer days at the beach. They honeymooned on Drake’s Island in Wells, Maine—which became a life-long favorite spot they shared with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lorraine sold cosmetics and perfume at the Grover Cronin Department Store in Waltham, MA during the 1960s. Her stylish, yet simple elegance was rightfully placed in what was described as “Waltham’s Classy Department Store.” She later worked as a cafeteria manager of McFarlin Middle School in Chelmsford, MA before becoming the Director of the Chelmsford School Food Service in 1978—a position she held until her retirement in 1994. During her years working for the Chelmsford School Food Service, Lorraine had the honor of serving as the President of the Massachusetts School Food Service Association and also ran the kitchen at Camp Massapoag in Dunstable, Massachusetts during the summer. She would often fondly reminisce about the hard work, fun times, and lasting friendships she made while working in that kitchen.

Lorraine loved a good party, a good belly laugh, family traditions and recipes. There was always room for more at every holiday gathering and you felt loved when you sat down at her table. If you were lucky enough to visit Lorraine during the Christmas holiday season, you were undoubtedly treated to her Swedish smorgasbord that she took great pride in preparing. During the summer, you’d find Lorraine at the beach—something she did even more frequently after retirement, when Lorraine and Howard moved to Cape Cod. She’d enjoy a cold beer with the grownups and an ice cream with her grandkids and always had something funny to say. Lorraine and Howard were a testament to the institution of marriage and set an example for all loving couples to aspire to.

Lorraine is survived by her brother, Ernest Johnson of Sandwich, Massachusetts; daughter, Victoria A. Small of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts; and son, Peter T. Small of Nashua, New Hampshire. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and their families (Marlena A. Liimatainen (Small) and her husband William (parents of Annika and Anders); Samantha Dullea (Small) and her husband Jeremy (parents of Makenna, Madeleine and Brantley); Nicole Powers (Small) and her husband Dan (parents of Jack and Mason); and Alex Small. Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Howard and her brothers Stanley, Arthur, and Robert Johnson.

Farewell for now Darlin’. There are many who miss you, but we know you are now where you want to be: hand in hand with Howard, basking in an eternal summer sun.