Lorraine R. Ciardello's Obituary
With heavy hearts but filled with gratitude for a long and beautiful life, we say goodbye to our dear Lorraine R. (Robichaud) Ciardello, who passed peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Greystone Farms in Salem, New Hampshire, at the age of 95.
Born in Methuen, Massachusetts, on March 8, 1930, Lorraine was the cherished daughter of Ernest and Persis (Lawson) Robichaud. For twenty-seven dedicated years, Lorraine worked as a wirer at Western Electric and later Lucent Technologies, until her retirement in 1991. Her careful hands and steady focus helped connect countless lines of communication, just as she connected people in her personal life.
Her faith was the heartbeat of her days. A devoted member of St. Monica Church in Methuen, Lorraine found deep joy in her Third Order of Mary group, where she lovingly crafted rosary beads, each one a small prayer in itself. She served as a Eucharistic minister with the same gentle reverence she brought to everything she did.
Summers held a special magic for Lorraine. She treasured every trip to Hampton Beach with her daughter Cassandra and son-in-law Ted, where the sound of the waves, the salt air, and the simple pleasure of family time renewed her spirit year after year.
Above all, Lorraine was a devoted cat lover. Her home was never without the soft purr of a feline companion, and her heart belonged especially to her beloved Tucker, who brought her endless comfort and joy in her later years.
Lorraine leaves behind a legacy of quiet devotion and love. She is deeply missed by her beloved daughter, Cassandra Gatsas, and her husband, Theodore “Ted” of Manchester, NH; her sister, Sandra Peront, and her husband, Peter, of Hampstead, NH; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who were always welcomed with open arms and warm hugs.
She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings: Ernest “Sonny” Robichaud, Warren Robichaud and his wife Elizabeth, Shirley Barros and her husband Anthony, Robert Robichaud and his wife, Carol, Norma Jean Lebel, Richard Robichaud and his wife Marjorie, and John Robichaud.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nursing and hospice teams from Brook Haven Hospice, and to the caring staff at Greystone Farm Assisted Living, who treated Lorraine like family and made her final days comfortable and dignified.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Lorraine’s life at calling hours on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 11 AM – 12 PM at Methuen Family Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Her funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lorraine’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at: www.stjude.org/donate or to Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter, 490 Dunbarton Road, ATTN: Shelter, Manchester, NH 03102 or at: www.manchesteranimalshelter.org, two causes that touched her heart deeply.
The Methuen Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ciardello family during this difficult time.
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