Lorraine Regina Blanchette

Lorraine R. Blanchette, 76, passed away on Monday, September 19, 2011 at Mary Immaculate Hospital after a long and courageous battle with respiratory illness. She was born in Chicopee, MA and traveled extensively as a military wife before settling in Newport News in 1967.

Lorraine was a cafeteria worker for the Newport News School System in the early 70's, but her dream was to be a hairdresser. She accomplished this by attending Jan Mar Beauty Academy where she later became an instructor. After many years, she worked at the Montessori School on Nettles Drive where she gave and received much joy to and from the children she taught.

Besides her careers, the most important things to her were her family and using her unique sense of humor to spread happiness and laughter.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Emile and Irene Pelletier, and her devoted husband of 46 years, Jean Blanchette.

She is survived by her children, David Blanchette, Diane Dye, Paul Blanchette, Angel Ferris and husband Kenny; grandchildren, Amber, Megan, Ashleigh, and Brent; and great-grandchildren, Zackary and Alex.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for Lorraine during her final days.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Olivet Christian Church, 14425 Old Courthouse Way, in Newport News. An inurnment service at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) in her honor.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.