Obituary of Lorraine J. Formica

Lorraine Josephine Formica, 82, beloved wife of deceased prominent New Britain surgeon Dr. Joseph Formica, passed away on November 20th of complications from a long illness in Winter Park, FL. Born in Hartford, CT on March 18, 1930, she was the daughter of Settimio and Linda Negrola, among three other siblings. She lived most of her life in New Britain and then resided in West Palm Beach, FL and the shores of CT, upon her husband's retirement in 1990. Lorraine married her husband Joseph on June 2, 1951 while he was a student at Tufts Medical School in Boston, MA. She worked to support his career while at the same time caring for their growing family. In 1955, Lorraine and Joseph moved to New Britain, where they raised their children and served their community. Besides her devotion to family life, Lorraine was active on the board of Hospital for Special Care and volunteered for many years at St. Ignatius Outreach Program in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister. After retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling around the world, golfing, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. Lorraine is survived by her daughter Elizabeth and her husband R. Timothy Thaler of So. Burlington, VT, two sons, Dr. Nicholas and his wife Paula Formica of New Britain, Rev. Robert and his wife Karen Formica of Orlando, FL, son-in-law Peter Bertolini of Huntington, CT, and loving caregiver, Kay Beard and husband Robert Boyce. She also leaves her ten devoted grandchildren, Peter J. Bertolini and his wife Carmen, Lisa Bertolini, Lorraine and her husband Michael Ames, Jacob Thaler and his wife Elizabeth, Teresa and her husband Michael Rivers, Joseph, Prima, Carolyn, Marie, and Ariana Formica, and great granddaughter Mia Linda Bertolini, plus many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph and daughter, Linda Bertolini. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours Friday (Nov.30, 2012) at 9:30AM at Farrell Funeral Home110 Franklin Sq New Britain, followed by Mass at St. Maurice Roman Catholic Church, 100 Wightman Road in New Britain at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. We wish to thank all staff at The Mayflower for their loving care and compassion.