Lorraine A. Gagnier

Lorraine A. (Giroux) Gagnier, 97, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Raymond O. Gagnier, with whom she shared 72 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Zelda (LeBlanc) Giroux. Lorraine was a lifelong resident and a devoted communicant of the former St. Joseph–St. Therese Church. She was a graduate of St. Anthony High School and worked for many years as a cook assistant at Keith Junior High School.

Lorraine was deeply devoted to her faith and community. She was an active member and Treasurer of the ACA and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In recognition of her dedication and service to the Church, she was honored with the Marion Medal from the Bishop.

Lorraine found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved traveling, bowling, building puzzles, and playing cards. She was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, and she especially enjoyed spending time people-watching from outside her window. Above all else, Lorraine cherished her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy, and she instilled in her family the importance of faith, family, traditions, and values.

She is survived by her loving children: Rene Gagnier and his wife Diane of Virginia, Dianne Nassr and her husband Michael of Assonet, Paul Gagnier and his wife Donna of Freetown, Joanne Collins and her husband James of Arizona, and Roger Gagnier and his wife Annette of Wrentham; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was the grandmother of the late Jennifer Gagnier. Lorraine was also the sister and sister-in-law of Doris Speary (Wesley), Wilfred Giroux (Germaine), Alphonse Giroux (Carmen), Irene Frigault (Paul), Rita Laplante (Eugene), Viola Sirois (Pete), Lillian Hardy (Maurice), and Laurette Turcotte (Arthur).

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel of The Archangel Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745.

Donations in Lorraine’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, in c/o St. Gabriel of The Archangel Church, 106 Illinois St., New Bedford, MA 02745.

For online tributes, visit our website at www.rock-funeralhome.com