Lorraine E. (Benoit) Lajeunesse, 85, beloved wife of 64 years to the late Joseph A. Lajeunesse, Sr., went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, surrounded by her loving family.  She was the daughter of the late Wilrose J. and Ernestine E. (Riopel) Benoit.

Lorraine and her husband, who was affectionately known as “Papa Joe”, were part of the founding group of Liberty Church in Shrewsbury.  Lorraine enjoyed working hand in hand with her husband during his career. She helped with all of the weddings and events he captured as the owner of “Video Visions”.

Lorraine was a tireless volunteer for many organizations.  Together they were involved with the Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of America working on many district and council events, helping with round-tables, pow-wows and other activities.  She was a registered member for 11 years and served as a Cub Scout Den Leader and Den Leaders Coach.  In 1977, NIMAT presented her with the Scouter’s Award in appreciation for her many years of dedicated service.

In her younger years, Lorraine worked as a waitress at the Donut Chateau and went on to hold several other jobs. She was a dietitian for Holden Hospital, a cafeteria worker in the West Boylston school system and a social worker at the West Boylston Senior Center. In her spare time she enjoyed going to bingo, listening to Christian music and being challenged by a good crossword puzzle.

Above all else, she lovingly devoted herself to her family, known to each other as “Team Lajeunesse” and taught them to be compassionate towards others. She loved taking them on trips to nowhere, camping and playing board games.

The family would like to express their grateful appreciation to the Jewish Healthcare Center staff for the kind and compassionate care they provided to Lorraine and her family during her illness.

Lorraine will be lovingly remembered and missed by her six children, Joseph A., Jr., John J. and Stephen J. Lajeunesse, all of West Boylston, Michael S. Lajeunesse of Worcester, Donna M. Rice of West Boylston and Linda M. Norval of Willington, CT; her 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her beloved husband, Joe, she was predeceased by an infant son; a grandson, John Joseph Lajeunesse, Jr; a granddaughter, Katie E. Lajeunesse; and 2 brothers, Ernest R. and Raymond W. Benoit.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Lorraine’s family on Monday, July 9th, from 9 to 11 am at the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling, followed by a funeral service honoring and celebrating her life at 11 am in the funeral home.  Lorraine will be laid to rest next to her husband at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.