Lorraine A. Williams [b. May 22, 1933] transitioned peacefully from her earthly ties on the morning of April 6th, 2023. She was comforted by the love and affection of her family, as well as those who helped care for her during her last months. Lorraine was ready to embrace and dance with, once again, her beloved husband of 44 years Thomas G. Williams (d.1999), her cherished son Matthew (d. 2021), her dear sister Fleurette O'Toole (d.2018) and her loving parents, Ovila and Laura (Paquette) Arpin.

Lorraine was a life force. She was a devoted and loving mother of six rogues, ne'er do wells and do gooders, in the following order:  Thomas, Paula, Matthew, Gregory, Laurie and Julie. A magnet on her refrigerator that asked 'I have child-proofed my house, how do they keep getting in?' perhaps best summed up the many antics. She was, in addition, so well loved and cared for by her brother-in-law Austin O'Toole, and her children's spouses and partners:  Jon, Dianne, Rhonda, Lowell and Mark.

Lorraine was a very proud grandmother of ten: Kyla, Caitlin, Taylor, Sam, Tommy, Moises, Ella, Mark Thomas, Scott, and Daniel. She was a loving aunt of warm and wise counsel to 20 nieces and nephews. She remained to the end, a friend of too many to count. In her later years, while still working her charms and mischievous twinkle, she continued to gather new friends, with numerous caregivers heard whispering, "She's our favorite! Shhhhh."

Lorraine attended the Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson, New Hampshire, where she was taught in French and learned the arts expected of a well-educated young woman: piano, drama, penmanship, drawing, painting, knitting, crocheting and - New England style - sledding down large snowy hills. She learned to strongly dislike the salmon served at breakfast and was happy to share that fact when any pink fish was seen on a plate in her vicinity.

After graduating from St. Vincent's Nursing school, she went on to apply her RN skills far too many times while raising six children. She had never mentioned her talent for crocheting until presenting an award-worthy scarf to one of them saying, "well, I just made it."  We had not once seen her crochet, since she had been busy shepherding each of her children through meals, soccer, baseball, softball, field hockey, basketball, football, golf, piano lessons, chores, college applications, Mischief, Mayhem and Mishaps.

In addition to supporting others' endeavors over the early years and decades, Lorraine was an avid music lover. She dedicated  her own passion and vocal talent for multiple decades to the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and to Sine Nomine, an auditioned chamber choir that performed and recorded at Grace Church in Providence and various mansions in Newport R.I.

Lorraine was a committed New England Patriots and BoSox fan. Like any Rhode Islander worth their weight in salt, she loved the sea and the birdlife all around the state. She was also a dedicated volunteer of ten years at Hospice of R.I. She leaves a beautiful legacy—a caring soul, an artful presence, and a sense of humor. When complimented not long before she passed —"You look GREAT!" she responded "Compared to what?!" Her warmth, generosity, humor and bon vivant spirit leaves the world a better place. We will miss her every day. We are grateful for her wisdom, compassion and kindness. We toast to a life well-lived and well-loved.

There will be a small private ceremony (O'Neill Funeral Home) for immediate family, after which Lorraine's ashes will be laid to final rest with her loved ones at St. Ann's Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to: Hope Health Hospice , 1085 N. Main St., Providence RI 02904 or to Sine Nomine , 309 North Main St., Fall River MA 02720.