Lorraine Mendoza

Lorraine Marie (Trubiano) Mendoza, 79, of Fall River, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on the morning of Sunday, July 5th, 2026.

    Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of the late James Trubiano and Clementina M. (Mello - Estrella) Trubiano. As a young girl, Lorraine enjoyed singing in the choir at school and church. Some of her earliest memories were of growing up in Boston’s West End, where her immigrant father was part of the considerable Italian enclave in that area, then later moving with her parents to Dorchester. Following her father’s death, she came to Fall River, where her mother was raised, and lived there for the rest of her life. Though she spent many more of her years in Fall River, she remained very fond of her Boston roots and spoke of them often.

    Like many Fall River women of her generation during the 1960s, Lorraine began her working career in the sewing mill industry, working at several shops before later taking a position at Floral Fashions in Tiverton, RI. After several years in that industry, she found a profession she much more enjoyed working in, housekeeping, and spent many dedicated years making dear friends at area agencies including The Fall River Jewish Home skilled nursing facility, and River Wood Associates group home in Rhode Island, before her retirement.

    She found great joy in the simple comforts of home, loved to be in the company of family and friends and was often among the last people to leave a social gathering. Among her creative hobbies she enjoyed crocheting, spending countless hours working on colorful afghans and hats that she would make for others. Lorraine also enjoyed attending ceramics classes with friends, notably crafting a beautiful ceramic heirloom Christmas Tree and treasured keepsakes of her family dogs. Lorraine loved all dogs but above all, she deeply cherished the companionship of her beloved dachshund, Mr. Dash.

    She is survived by her daughter, Darlene Mendoza and partner Pam Cabucio; Geraldine Araujo Nicholas whom she considered as a daughter, along with her wife, Dee Nicholas, their children Johnathan Silva, Jordan Silva (wife Amanda, daughter Kaylee), and Justin Silva (husband Anthony). She also leaves behind her dear cousin, Lorraine De Costa.

    Her visitation will be held Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 2 - 4:30 PM at the Oliveira Funeral Homes - South Main St. Chapel, 2064 South Main St, Fall River, MA 02724, followed by funeral prayers in the funeral home at 4:30 PM. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery will be private.