Lorraine G. Pacifico

The beloved Lorraine G. Pacifico left us in the early hours of Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, exactly as she had lived: surrounded by family and loved ones.

The daughter of George and Anna Hartung, Lorraine was born on December 7th,1930 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Raised during the Great Depression, Lorraine’s mother died while entering high school and she left education to raise her brothers- all before the end of World War II. Despite these challenges, Lorraine’s life stories are filled with love, laughter, and overcoming hardship with grace. A lifelong resident of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, she will be remembered through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lorraine would go on to become a matriarch, homemaker, sweater factory employee, and- once upon a time- would even win the title: ‘Best Legs in Hoboken’.

Lorraine G. Pacifico is the mother of four children: Thomas Hall and his wife Nina, Dianne DiEdwardo, JoAnne Heady and her husband Bill, and Carolee Pacifico. She is survived by her brothers: Robert and Mickey Hartung. Her beloved grandchildren include Chelsea Celentano, Michelle Lopez, Mark Verkerke, Nicholas DiEdwardo, Jessica Johnsen, Peter Tomas, Tanya Galasso, James Paolozzi, and Matthew Herrmann. She was called ‘mom-mom’ by seventeen great-grandchildren and counting. All who made friends of her family would come to call her ‘Mom’, ‘Grandma’ or ‘Aunt Lorraine’, too. Lorraine is also remembered for a decade of service in Lyndhurst’s prestigious ‘Lunch Lady’ program at Columbus School.

Lorraine G. Pacifico survived three husbands: Hall, Martorano, and Pacifico. Each circumstance was different in challenges and rewards. By the time she wed her final husband, Ralph Pacifico, he built her a house in Lyndhurst, New Jersey and insisted her three kids call him ‘dad’, too. For over sixty years, hundreds if not thousands of friends and family would come through the doors they built with love and loyalty. After Ray’s death in 1997, Lorraine would continue to carry his name and family and the house which quickly became a home to a very many people for almost 30 years.

There are no doubts as to how many lives Lorraine touched, or the memories she helped make. Whether it was the smell of garlic on Lorraine’s hands or a buttoned smile that quietly hid a royal flush, Lorraine always ensured there was food and fun in the same room. But Lorraine isn’t just the time together, it's what she did quietly for those she loved: the worry and prayers, or acts of service such as laundry or her superpower to find anything that was lost, no matter how small. She always was available for long discussions or babysitting, even if it meant fighting her fears (such as pigs, or being home alone). Lorraine led by example and always had stories and lessons to pair with them. These moments came about in acts of love like sewing up holes in hand-me-downs or repurposing rubber bands and tin foil into home improvement tools.

Lorraine’s family heads into the unknown with strength and resolve. There are no more hand-me-downs, Sunday sauces, or buzzing lightbulbs kept alive by forty five rubber bands. One less envelope stuffed with cash for a birthday, while the garlic grows green stems in the back of a refrigerator drawer. We wonder how many cashiers or waiters are curious where the lady who asked about their day and family went. But just like our beloved Lorraine, we must gamble without risking it all and love without concern of reciprocation. These are the only ways to be wealthy without money, and to be able to love freely and wholly without worry of being hurt.

Conventional wisdom tells us that we do not know what we have until it's gone. Lorraine made everyone feel seen, loved, and safe. We always knew how special she was for this world, though perhaps not how much. We did not know that she was the reason we saw blooming flowers or sun-soaked leaves before spilled milk and scraped knees. She taught us to laugh with babies when they tumble so giggles replace instincts of cries. It is now our turn to turn our tears back into laughter, and continue to find new ways to take Lorraine with us for the rest of our lives.

Services will be held at Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home on Monday, October 27th, 2025 between 2-6PM.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.