Lorraine Celia Laperle, 89, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished wife of Paul R. Laperle, with whom she would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on February 18, 2025. Born in Woonsocket, RI, Lorraine was the daughter of Edna (Gouin) and William Dumas. Though her roots remained in Woonsocket, Lorraine spent 25 years in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she raised her family and owned and operated a successful hotel and restaurant with her husband, before eventually returning to Rhode Island.

Even in retirement, Lorraine was never one to sit idle. She worked for several years in food services at Oakland Grove Nursing Home, continuing her lifelong passion for helping others.

A true lover of the water, Lorraine felt a deep connection to the ocean. She enjoyed boating, seafood, sitting by the fire, and fishing. While living in the mountains, she developed a great love of downhill skiing. But her greatest passion was food. An exceptional cook, Lorraine delighted in creating new dishes and adding them to her ever-growing collection of recipes. She loved exploring new restaurants, experimenting in the kitchen, and sharing her culinary talents with others. Her enthusiasm for cooking also inspired her grandsons to develop a love for the kitchen.

Lorraine had a natural talent for gardening, nurturing both indoor and outdoor gardens. With an eye for design, she transformed her backyard into a beautiful garden oasis where she spent countless hours tending to her vegetables, herbs, and flowers, while also feeding the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife that visited daily for treats.

A lifelong learner, Lorraine had a passion for reading and researching various topics. She was sharp minded in business, enjoyed investing, and took great pleasure in growing a variety of collections, which she treasured and later took great joy in passing down to her grandsons. Anyone who knew her would agree that she enjoyed the thrill of hunting for bargains and feeling a sense of accomplishment when she found something at a great price. For Lorraine, it was a blend of smart decision-making and a bit of excitement in the process.

Lorraine was fortunate to have spent time in Europe, living in West Germany with her husband and son, while also visiting East Germany, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. She enjoyed cruising, annual summer trips to the Maine coast with family and grandchildren, cross-country trips to California, visits to Disney World, and many other adventures.

Above all, Lorraine's heart belonged to her family. Her door was always open to family and friends, who were welcome to gather and visit, just as her mother had done before her.

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband, Paul Laperle of Woonsocket, RI, children Kevin Laperle of East Providence, RI, and Lisa (Laperle) Bialous and her husband, Andrew, of Mapleville, RI. Lorraine was a proud grandmother to her two grandchildren, Zachary Bray Bialous and Tyler Rayne Bialous. She will also be deeply missed by her dear lifelong friend, Joyce Laperle of Woonsocket, RI. Lorraine was one of thirteen siblings, and she is survived by her sister Beatrice Paul of North Fort Myers, FL, and her brother George Dumas of Woonsocket, RI. She was predeceased by her siblings: Edna Altieri, Raymond Dumas, Ralph Dumas, Albert Dumas, Rena Ethier, Leona Lariviere, Frank Dumas, Pauline Connor, William Dumas, and Madeline Chicoine.

Relatives and friends are invited Lorraine's Life Celebration which begins with visiting hours on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and continuing at 9am at J.J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI, On Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10 AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Church, 1200 Mendon Road, Woonsocket, RI, followed by burial at St. Jean the Baptiste Cemetery, Wrentham Road, Bellingham, MA.

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com