Described by all who knew her as “a fine example of a life well lived,” Lorraine Loretta (Giroux) Pate passed from this life last week at 101 years old. Those lucky enough to call her Mom, Grandma, Auntie Lur, friend, or neighbor got to know a genuinely sweet and caring woman who always had a warm and ready smile for all. It is difficult to put into words all the things that were the essence of Lorraine, but these words stand out: nurturing, devout, creative, adventurous, inventive, ambitious, and a culinary genius!
Born August 4, 1924, to Wilfred H. and Alma (LaChance) Giroux, Lorraine grew up in the Fairview section of Chicopee, Mass., with her three brothers, Roland, Donald, and Robert. Their home abutted Westover Air Force Base. As fate would have it, one day, Lorraine met a handsome young airman named George W. Pate. Long story short, George and Lorraine were married for 70 years until George’s passing in November 2020.
George and Lorraine enjoyed a great marriage together. They raised three wonderful kids—Marie, Peggy, and Tommy—mostly while living in Lenox. They were a favorite among their nieces and nephews. They adored their four grandchildren. George and Lorraine called many places in the U.S. home over the span of their marriage. They retired young and thoroughly enjoyed their new role as world travelers. In their later years, George and Lorraine became the quintessential snowbirds dividing their time between Venice, Fla., and Centerville (Cape Cod), Mass.
Needless to say, Lorraine’s long life brought her some loss. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, her spouse, and her son-in-law Terry Field.
Lorraine was a proud and devout Catholic. She once said that she thought the reason she lived so long was because God did not want her. Those who knew her well knew that nothing could be farther from the truth. She had a very powerful relationship with God. To put it simply, if there are direct flights to heaven, you can be sure Lorraine Pate had a first class ticket.
Lorraine leaves behind a very sad but grateful family: her daughter Marie Field of Lenox; her daughter Margaret Pate (Dan Griffiths) of West Brookfield, Mass.; and her son Thomas Pate (Judy Toy) of West Roxbury, Mass. She leaves behind her four beloved grandchildren, Kevin Griffiths, Morgan Griffiths, Marc Griffiths, and Maegan Pate, and her great-granddaughter Ayla Griffiths. Being the last of her generation, many nephews and nieces share the family’s grief and sorrow.
Lorraine’s family will miss her essence as they start this holiday season—especially her sense of humor and her exceptional cooking. They will cry over her loss but not because they despair but because they loved her so deeply.
From her family: Go with God, Mom. Give Dad a hug for us.
To celebrate Lorraine’s life, there will be a funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Church in Lenox at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25. A graveside ceremony will take place at a later date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the charity of your choice or your local food bank. Take every opportunity to give your loved ones a hug. To share memories and stories, please visit the website of Roche Funeral Home.
