Obituary of Loretta G. LaMancuso

Loretta G. "Lorraine" LaMancuso, 85, of Jamestown, passed away peacefully at 7:11 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born January 12, 1029 in Falconer, NY, the daughter of the late Lory and Grace Ognibene Lodestro. Lorraine was a graduate of Falconer High School Class of 1947, and as a Golden Falcon, took great pride in her Falconer roots. As a teenager she worked at the lunch counter for the former Woolworths Department Store and also at the former National Worsted Mills. Lorraine married her "Sweetheart Sailor" Ignatius "Nay" LaMancuso on June 3, 1950 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage until his passing on September 6, 2007. She was a working-mother, working for the Jamestown Public School System as a Teacher's Aide for 20 years, at the R.R. Rogers Elementary School. Lorraine was later employed by the Gustavus Adolphus Children's Home for many years as a Counselor, continuing her passion to help young people find their way in life. She always took pride in the many students she worked with and followed their successes in life. Lorraine was a very special woman, who was highly energetic and possessed a passion for living. She was multi-talented and enjoyed dancing, roller skating, bowling and softball. She also enjoyed painting, pottery, ceramics and many other craft projects over the years. She was also masterful in the kitchen, enjoying both cooking and baking. When guests arrived, Lorraine would just simply "throw things together" which somehow became a seven course meal from soup to dessert and everything in between. Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her family and friends. Lorraine and "Nay" visited some of the world's most beautiful destinations over the years on cruises and different excursions. She was a communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church and a former member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a former member of the Gaeta Club and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. Surviving are her children, Jennie Lee Lynch LaMancuso and John L. (Kathleen) LaMancuso both of Jamestown, four grandchildren, Erin R. Lynch of Portland, OR, Adam B. (Corrine) Lynch of Tucson, AZ, John I. (Gillian Ditonto) LaMancuso of Buffalo, Jillian N. LaMancuso of Jamestown, three great grandchildren, Thomas, Dylan and Austin Lynch, a brother, Lucian (Emily) Lodestro of Falconer, two sisters, Sally (Michael) Gregory of Bemus Point, Rose Marie (Ray) Johnson of Falconer, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Ignatius F. "Nay" LaMancuso. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2014, in St. James Catholic Church. The Rev. Darrell Duffy, pastor will be celebrant. Burial will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation will not be observed. In consideration of the wonderful care they provided to Lorraine as she embarked on her long journey home, the family suggests that memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14701.