E. Lorraine (Mahon) Donnelly, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family April 4. She fought a long and courageous battle over 17 years, recovering from a stroke and other ailments.
She was born in Elizabeth, the daughter of Joseph F. and Mary E. (Donnelly) Mahon. Lorraine was married to her husband Gervaise and liked to recount how she arranged to meet him while walking out to the garage shared by their adjacent duplex houses in Elizabeth. They lived in Elizabeth until driving down to the Shore and discovering Red Bank and Middletown and deciding to raise their family there. She was a longtime communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank.
Lorraine loved a party and family, friends and strangers came to enjoy her annual 4th of July party on the Navesink and watching the fireworks. Many a friend and stranger over the years can recount being invited to enjoy the best view on the Navesink to see the annual show and being grateful for the graciousness of the invitation.
Lorraine relished the thrill of the hunt for the perfect antique and bringing it back to its former glory. She enjoyed Irish music and dancing to swing band music, usually finding an unsuspecting family member for a partner. She enjoyed politics and was a member of the Middletown Township Democratic Committee for many years, working at the polls at Fairview School on Election Day. She will be remembered for her courage, strength, love of family and devotion to her Roman Catholic faith. Her wisdom, practicality and common sense are sorely missed by all who loved her.
In addition to her parents, Lorraine is predeceased by her sister Eileen Kelly and her husband Gervaise. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Gervaise and his wife Karen of Tinton Falls; Christopher and his wife Geraldine (Allegra) of Rumson; Mary and her husband David Puchalski of Freehold; and Victoria (Tory) and her husband Michael Mascone of Middletown. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren: Grace Donnelly, Gus Donnelly, Nolan Donnelly, Christopher Donnelly, Maria Donnelly, Matthew Puchalski, John (Jack) Puchalski, Mary Eileen Puchalski, Elizabeth Mascone and Caroline Mascone.
Visitation was held April 8 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 9 at St. James RC Church, Red Bank, with internment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In Lorraine’s memory, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068. Please visit Lorraine’s memorial website at thompsonmemorial.net.
