Mrs. Lorraine G. Mulhall, RN
NAUGATUCK — Lorraine Rose Giancarli Mulhall, 92, died peacefully at her home on December 28, 2022 surrounded by her family. Lorraine was the widow of Peter F. Mulhall Jr. and the daughter of the late Palma (Generali) and Domenic Giancarli.
She was born on December 5, 1930 in Naugatuck. She attended Groveside Elementary School, Salem School and graduated from Naugatuck High School, Class of 1948 while working at the Rosenblatt department store and playing high school girls’ basketball. She graduated from Saint Mary’s School of Nursing in 1951, where she received her nursing license.
She married Peter F. Mulhall on June 7, 1952 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naugatuck. Lorraine left her position as a nurse at Saint Mary’s to accompany her husband, who was stationed in the Air Force at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California, during the Korean conflict. During this time she held an RN position at Riverside General.
After her husband’s military service, she returned to Naugatuck and resumed her position as a nurse in the maternity ward at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Lorraine had the opportunity to serve the Naugatuck community, accepting a position with the Visiting Nurses Association and then becoming Head of Clinical Oversight until her retirement in 1997.
To achieve the position of clinical supervisor, she returned to the classroom at Mattatuck Community College to pursue an associate’s degree, which was awarded at age 58. Lorraine was truly a lifelong learner.
Lorraine was truly a native of Naugatuck and loved her community. She was a dedicated member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, served on the Council of Catholic Women, and participated in many school and church activities. She received the 1981 Eagles Club Mother of the Year Award.
Lorraine showed kindness and joy to everyone she met. Always willing to help anyone she could, she was nicknamed “Florence Nightingale” by family, friends and patients.
She was an avid fan and supporter of Naugatuck High School sports, beginning in her own days as a basketball player, and has continued to support her children’s participation in NHS sports. Lorraine had a third fan base for naugy sports as her many grandchildren played and excelled at soccer, football and baseball.
After all, she was a fanatical supporter of the UConn Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams. An autographed Ladies Husky poster “To Lorraine, the Valley’s most fan” hung on her front door.
Lorraine is survived by her nine children, Kathleen (John) Cascio of Wethersfield, Peter F. (Kay) Mulhall III of Carmel, Indiana, Stephen (Lorraine) Mulhall of Bethlehem, Christopher (Sharon) Mulhall of Stamford, Maureen (Edward) Creem of Waterbury , Patrick Mulhall of New York City, Lori (Andrew) Bottinick of Naugatuck, Ann Margaret (Kenneth) Hanks of Naugatuck, and Rachel (Edward) Pilat of Prospect; 18 grandchildren, Kyleen, Meghan, Stephen, Claire, Kelley, Eileen, Ryan, Molly, Kyle, Jonathan, Abby, Bryan, Aaron, Katie, Emily, Timothy, Sarah and Nicholas; and eight great-grandchildren, Isabella, Austin, Vaughn, Alexis, Jade, Keegan, Adelyn, Shelby; and one on the way.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ann Mulhall; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Peter and sisters Inez Rossi, Mary Deschino and Lydia Goodson.
The family would like to thank Lorraine’s caregivers Pam, Barbara, Tracy, Jacque, Raye and the VITAS Healthcare team.
A Christian funeral service will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck. All those present are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. Office hours are Mondays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 294 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770; or American Alzheimer’s Association, Team Mom’s Minions.
Also to honor Lorraine’s memory, the family is asking you to do an act of kindness to someone you know and someone you don’t know, as Lorraine will always be remembered as a caring and generous person.
To leave online condolences, please visit buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
