BOXFORD – Lorelee (Pepe) Graffeo passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024 at the Aspen Hill Memory Care Facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts after a lengthy battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 64 years old.
Lorelee was born and raised in Quincy, MA by her parents Nicholas and Leona Pepe and was the youngest of five children; Ron Pepe (Elaine Darcy), Len Pepe (Margy), Valerie Pepe McNamara and Marcia Pepe Goulart. After graduating Archbishop Williams High School and Westfield State College, she utilized her Honors Business Administration Degree to land her first job at Dean Witter Reynolds Investments and later stepped into a role as Operations Manager at A.G. Edwards Inc. After meeting her husband Andy and later giving birth to their only child Andrew, she stepped away from working in finance and stepped into the role that she loved most which was raising her son as a stay-at-home mother. This career break resulted in her being able to immerse her son into both sides of the family through cousins, uncles, grandparents, and on. Once Andrew reached his mid-teens, Lorelee continued her passion for being a guiding light in young lives and became a Paraprofessional at Harry Lee Cole Elementary School before she later stepped away due to the onset of her diagnosis. While at home her husband and son stood unwavering by her side through her life and her disease with eventual help from the everlasting bond she formed with her amazing caregivers Karen Moniz and Cathy Huppe through daily activities, volunteering at the Rest-Stop Ranch Memory Garden, and many more.
Lorelee was more than just a wife, mother, and friend. She was a selfless and beautiful soul that made it her daily duty to make people smile. Whether it was one of her son’s friends or a random person on the sidewalk, she made sure to try and make their day at least a little better. Anyone and everyone that knew her can attest to the truth that she was simply one-of-a-kind. Although the disease took its toll on her mind and body, it was clear that her bright and loving spirit still showed through until her last day on earth.
Lorelee is survived by her husband, Andy and her son Andrew. She is also survived by her brothers, Ron Pepe (Elaine Darcy), Len Pepe (Margy), her sisters, Valerie Pepe McNamara and Marcia Pepe Goulart. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Michael Graffeo (April Fitch), sister-in-law, Marylee Graffeo Fairbanks (Michael) and mother-in-law Rosalie (Ferullo) Graffeo. She had several nieces and nephews, Larry and Joe Graffeo, Sebastian Fairbanks, Holly McNamara (Dan), Emily McNamara (Chris), Nick Pepe (Betsy), Sam Pepe (Tamara), Julia Pepe (Matt), Tom Pepe (Meghan), Amelia Pepe (Tom), and Joey Goulart (Matthew). Lorelee also had eight great-nephews who will hear many beautiful and fun stories about their Great Aunt.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family, friends, and all that knew Lorelee are respectfully invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday, October 19 at 10:30AM at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Topsfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorelee’s memory to the Rest Stop Ranch Memory Garden located at 202 Haverhill Road in Topsfield, MA. Arrangements are in the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home at 486 Main Street in Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or at www.comeaufuneral.com
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Jim Gerace says
October 2, 2024 at 1:13 amMy heart breaks for the loss of my sweet cousin, Lorelee. I regret living so far away and not being able to spend more time with her. However, I will carry with me her childhood visits to Louisiana with her family and much later, my visit to Massachusetts.
May those as well as others’ memories of her be a blessing to each of us who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She lives in us all.
❤️❤️❤️
Debbie Connery says
October 5, 2024 at 9:12 pmI am so heartbroken to hear about Lorelee. She was a great teacher in our Preschool class at Cole School and was so happy, positive, accepting, funny, and kind every day to all the children, parents and staff. She always had a smile on her face and had so much love for Andy and Andrew. She was truly an amazing person who made a positive impact on everyone who was lucky enough to know her.
Andy and Andrew Graffeo says
October 15, 2024 at 9:02 amLorelee , I can’t believe you’re gone sweetheart! You will never know just how much I loved and admired you.
It isn’t for me to say but only God and your plan to leave this earth in such a way . It was so hard to witness it !
Andrew and I will know one thing God called you away because he needed to fit you for wings for duties in heaven we wish we had more time with you.
The most precious gift we can take with us is you will always be guiding and watching over us from heaven.
Till we meet again sweetie pie
Deborah Cirelli says
October 15, 2024 at 6:00 pmMy heart felt condolences on the passing of Loralee. Fondest memories growing up in the neighborhood with her. May she rest in eternal peace. And blessings to the family. many thoughts and prayers.