1927 - 2025
Loraine Lois Ranieri (Williams), 97, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Columbus, Georgia.
Born on December 4, 1927, in Wilson, New York, Loraine dedicated her life to service, faith, and family. She pursued her education at Newfane Central School before attending Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing. Her passion for caregiving and adventurous spirit led her to serve as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps from 1950 to 1954, including a year and a half of service in Korean War combat zones, where she provided critical care for soldiers. After leaving the Army, she continued her nursing career, serving as a Charge Nurse at Muscogee Manor, and eventually as a stay-at-home mom caring for her children.
For nearly six decades, Loraine was a devoted member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, where she actively participated in the Council of Catholic Women, volunteered at St. Anne Outreach, and attended daily Mass. Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and providing strength to those around her.
Above all, Loraine found joy in caring for her children and grandchildren. She cherished time spent with family and took great pride in nurturing those she loved. Whether tending to her yard or offering kindness to others, she lived with quiet and steady dedication.
She is survived by her sons: Michael A. Ranieri, his wife Betty, and their children Lisa Stephens, her husband Taylor, and their son James; Cathy Ranieri; Christopher E. Ranieri, his wife Nancy, and their child Rachel; and David B. Ranieri, his wife Katrina, and their children Charles Oliver, Matthew Oliver, his wife Jessica, and their child Jasper, Benjamin Ranieri and his child Lillian, Nicholas Oliver, Anna Ranieri, and Benjamin Oliver. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Benjamin Joseph Ranieri, and their infant daughter, Catherine Mary.
A Rosary will be held on March 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, with visitation to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on March 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2000 Kay Circle, Columbus, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, Loraine requested that donations should be made to St. Anne Outreach.
Loraine’s legacy of love and devotion will live on through those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.
