Lorraine G. Ravenell

Lorraine Gallup Ravenell, 89, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 at Tockwotton on the Waterfront in East Providence, RI surrounded by her loving family.

Lorraine was born January 24, 1936 in Worcester, MA the daughter of Lester W. Gallup and Alta Tracy Gallup. She was preceded in death by her sister Barbara Anderson.

Lorraine was married to her husband Bob for over 67 years and was a resident of East Providence for 82 years. They were married on May 26, 1958 at St. Lukes’s Church, Barrington, RI. Bob’s greatest testament to his love was the selfless and unwavering care he provided to his wife, throughout her lengthy battle with dementia. 

Lorraine leaves three children, Mark and his husband Paul Belleville of Charlestown, Stephen and his wife Karen of Warwick and Laurel Ptaszek and her husband Stephen of Barrington. She leaves 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Lorraine graduated with honors in 1953 from East Providence Senior High School. She had been active in numerous clubs, but it was during her senior year that she truly flourished. With the opening of the new school pool, she joined the Aqua Ballet swim team. The team’s performance, The Water Follies of 1953, sold-out every show and was featured in the Providence Journal. 

In 1954, Lorraine graduated from Katharine Gibbs School. For the next five years she worked as an Executive Secretary at the law firm of Hinkley, Allen, Salisbury & Parson’s in Providence, RI. In 1959, she left her position to focus on raising her family.

Throughout her life, Lorraine devoted herself to helping others, offering her time, love and support to her family, friends, neighbors, and the causes that meant most to her. Always willing to lend a hand, she provided rides, comfort, and steadfast care to anyone in need, whether a neighbor down the street or a cherished family member. That same devotion led her to become involved in public service, and in 1976, she proudly worked on John Chaffee’s successful campaign for US Senate, an experience that brought her great pride and joy. 

She continued supporting others through her extensive involvement with the PTA both locally and nationally. She served as Rumford’s PTA president from 1971 to 1973 and later as president of the East Providence Council of PTAs from 1976 to 1978. As a representative for Rhode Island, she dedicated several years to the Board of Directors of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. From 1985 to 1987, she held the position of Rhode Island PTA president. During her 20 years of service, Lorraine attended more than ten annual PTA conventions across the country and made frequent trips to Washington, DC, for numerous PTA-related events.

For many years, Lorraine was a member of East Providence High School’s Class of 1953 reunion committee, where she helped bring her classmates together, keep cherished memories alive and foster meaningful reconnections with old friends.

Lorraine’s love for the ocean was evident in the way she lived her life. As a young girl, she spent many summers at the local beaches and sailing with her sister Barbara out of Bullock’s Cove, where she often competed in sailboat races across Narragansett Bay. Visiting Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard on her family’s cabin cruiser were another special summertime activity. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, family, and friends to seaside destinations such as Cape Cod, Newport, South County and Myrtle Beach. Lorraine led an active and meaningful life, finding joy in daily walks, traveling, cooking, sewing, and listening to music. Whether it was exploring new places or creating homemade meals, she embraced each day with an appreciation for life’s simple blessings. One of her most treasured pastimes was digging and cooking quahogs with her husband Bob. 

Another favorite pastime Lorraine shared with Bob was caring for their garden, where tomatoes, basil, and rhubarb flourished. She was known for the love she poured into her kitchen, where she crafted homemade tomato sauce, tomato soup, and an array of rhubarb, grape, strawberry, and blueberry jams, that she shared generously with family and friends.

Lorraine was selfless and giving, cherishing every moment spent with her husband, family, and grandchildren. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

A celebration of life and burial will be private. Gifts in her honor can be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Arrangements are in the care of the Home of J.H. WILLIAMS & CO. 

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