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With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Lorraine Ann (Mello) Drew on June 17, 2026 at The Lydia Taft House in Uxbridge surrounded by her family with love. She was the beloved wife of the late Alvan White and the late Howard Drew.
Born in Fall River on March 17, 1933, Lorraine was the daughter of the late John and Rose (Raposa) Mello. She was raised in Fall River and later made her home in Franklin.
Lorraine worked as a school bus driver for Holmes Bus Company, where she was known for her kindness and dedication. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, including daily walks, word search games, reading books, relaxing on the beaches of Sarasota, Florida, and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and activities. She looked forward to shopping with her daughters “the girls”, going out to lunch and sharing lots of laughs together.
Above all else, Lorraine cherished her family. She treasured every opportunity to gather with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose love and companionship brought her immense happiness throughout her life.
She meant the world to her children. Her love shaped them into the people they are today. Her family is grateful and blessed for every moment and memory shared together.
Lorraine was such a giving, caring and loving person. She was beautiful inside and out. Her beautiful smile would light up a room and warm many hearts. There will be an incredible void in her families lives without her, but they will carry her love with them always and forever.
She is survived by her loving children: Jeffrey White and his wife Cheryl of Bourne; Douglas White and his wife Carolyn of Burrillville, Rhode Island; Neil White of Ormond Beach, Florida; Roseann Peter and her husband David of Douglas; and Maryann Palumbo and her husband William of Northbridge and her stepson, James Drew and his wife Shelia of Exeter, RI.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey, Allison, Thomas, Matthew, Jarred, Zach, Billy, Jennifer and Aibhilin as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Jaysin, Elyse, Eli, Ella, and Max.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Lydia Taft House for taking such good care of their mother with compassion and love. From office personnel to housekeeping, dining room, kitchen, activities, physical therapy and all the nurses, doctors and CNAs. They cared deeply for her.
Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Tuesday, June 30, at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street, Franklin.
Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Franklin.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 30, prior to the funeral service from 11AM to 1PM
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lorraine's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.
Lorraine will be remembered for her gentle spirit, devotion to family, and the love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She is truly unforgettable.
“LOVE YOU, HON!”
