Lorraine (Simonelli) Iafrate, 71, born March 22, 1949, of 13 Ivanhoe Street, Johnston RI on passed away at home on May 2, 2020, from Parkinson’s Disease surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of the Donald W. Iafrate, one more month, June 26, they would have been married 49 years, “LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER 101”!
Born in Providence, daughter of the late Antonio and Rita (DiPietro) Simonelli.
Brian Iafrate and his wife Edelta; grandmother of Dimetri and Dante and Michael Iafrate and his wife Melissa; grandmother of Olivia, Michael, and Vittoria. Lorraine cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, daughter inlaw’s, and loved them with all her heart and soul!
She was the sister of Jean Giarrusso and her husband Alex of West Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Sandra Bernardo, and her companion Anthony Cimaglia of Cranston. Lorraine took over as a Care Giver for her mother-in-law Lucy (Ravo) Iafrate who also had Parkinson’s, Diabetes, and Dementia
Lorraine was a graduate of Johnston High School Class of 1966, she was also a cheerleader for 4 years. She was a graduate of RI Junior College and RI College majoring in Math and Science. She stared her teaching carver at Graniteville Elementary School in Johnston then left upon the birth of her children. She started her teaching again when our children were old enough to attend school. She was hired as a sub and later was hired full time at Saint Ann’s School on Branch Ave Providence RI teaching Math and Science, later becoming Principal. She left and was hired at St Philip’s School in Smithfield RI as a middle school teacher teaching Math a Science 8th Grade Adviser, Robotic Adviser, and Seeding of vegetables plants in the Greenhouse then planting the in ground. Lorraine was awarded the Teacher of the Year for the RI Catholic Diocese and then Northern Region of which the award was presented to her in Philadelphia PA.
Lorraine was also involved in youth sports programs of Johnston, to include the in house and Pre-Teen Football, Basketball, Little League Baseball, Friends of Football at Johnston High School. She was also the Adviser for the Cheerleaders and Majorities. Lorraine served 2 Terms representing District 2 on the Johnston School Committee.
The family appreciates and would like to
Thank You Dr. Joseph H. Friedman (Neurologist)
Thank You Dr. James Cardi, Michael Martino PA, and their Staff
Thank you Visiting Nurse’s Home and Hospice for your work to include Nurse’s Physical, Occupational Therapists, Certified Nurse Assistants, Medical Social Worker, and the Chaplin!
Thank You Miriam Hospital
Thank you Elmhurst Nursing Home and Rehab!
Thank you Cherry Nursing Home and Rehab!
Thank you Our Lady of Fatima Wound Center!
