Lorraine Perles Becker

9/12/1937 - 1/7/2026

Lorraine Perles Becker of Newton, MA passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the age of 88.

Born on September 12, 1937 in Boston to Molly and Joseph Perles, Lorraine was the youngest of three daughters. She was predeceased by her sisters, Bea Dresner and Pearl Dragoff, and by her brother-in-law, Bernie Dresner. Due to a generous age difference, Lorraine’s sisters and brother’s-in-law, including Ruby Dragoff, were required to entertain her during their courtships and while on their dates. During war-time, Bernie made it a point to provide her with bubble gum and baby carriages. Later, her sisters and brothers-in-law were instrumental in helping Lorraine raise her family.

Lorraine attended Boston University where she studied accounting. She lived and worked in New York while supporting her then-husband as he attended medical school. After this, Lorraine moved back to Massachusetts where she moved from Brighton to Newton and raised two daughters. Lorraine frequently said she had “the closest fridge to Newton South High School” and often arrived home to find her children’s friends raiding the cookie drawer. As adults, Lorraine referred to her daughters’ life-long friends as, “my kids.”

Judaism was a very important aspect of Lorraine's life. She was an active member of Congregation Mishkan Tefila where she was often seen decorating the bimah for Jewish Holidays. In fact, Lorraine studied Torah and became a bat mitzvah as an adult.

Later in life Lorraine met Abba Arthur Appelstein at a Jewish event. The two established a home and continued to study Jewish teachings with Cantor Davin Wolok. Together Lorraine and Abba enjoyed extensive travel and were immersed in the arts. Lorraine took a particular interest in, and became president of, Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in The Berkshires where the two shared a second home.

Lorraine and her daughter Wendy often went on excursions exploring the towns and beaches of the north shore. Lorraine enjoyed spending time at her daughter Jill's home whether for holiday celebrations or a beautiful sunny day, and always had special treats for her grand-dogs, Millie and Dex. Lorraine loved her time with her granddaughter, Rebecca, for whom she made heart-shaped sandwiches, had flour "fights" while baking, and to whom she gave her love of the arts.

Lorraine was a vivacious and curious person with a love of museums, theater, travel, The Boston Marathon, and chocolate in any form that did not involve peanut butter. She loved to dance and to laugh and would never let anyone else’s dessert pass by her without digging her fork in and taking a bite.

Lorraine is survived by her daughters Jill Becker, MD, of Framingham, Wendy Becker of Newton, her adored granddaughter Rebecca Blumenstein of New Orleans, Jill’s partner Philip Emmanuel, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, as well as four incredible women who helped care for her with their entire hearts during her final months. Her memory will forever be a blessing.

Funeral services will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 10:30am. Burial will take place at Stepiner Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum are welcomed. The hyperlink to the charity is after the "Show your Support" section.