Lorraine M. Cannarella, 94, of West Milford, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, just three days after her 94th birthday. She was reunited in eternity with the absolute love of her life, her late husband Paul Cannarella, who predeceased her in 1993. True to the beautiful, family-centered life she built, Lorraine drew her final breaths surrounded by the family members who loved and adored her beyond measure.
Born in Paterson, N.J., on May 21, 1932, to the late John and Mildred Pelligra, her beloved parents, Lorraine learned early on the values of faith, devotion, and unconditional love. As a dedicated wife and mother, she turned these values into her life’s masterwork. Her home was far more than just a structure; it was a sanctuary of comfort, always filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals, meticulous care, and an open-hearted warmth that greeted everyone who walked through her door. Lorraine’s deep, unwavering faith was the quiet anchor of her life, and she spent countless hours in prayer, selflessly lifting up those in need.
To say Lorraine loved her family would be an understatement — her family was her entire world, and she was the undisputed “Queen” of theirs. The profound love she poured into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren has woven a rich, unbreakable legacy that will endure for generations to come.
She was the cherished mother of three children: Paul (Patty) Cannarella, Linda (Ken) Stanton, and Donna (Dr. Richard) Gryzmolowicz. She was the idolized and deeply missed Nana of eleven grandchildren: Lauren (Bob) Yarmula, Kristy (Anthony) Shovlowsky, Stephanie (Thomas) Keough, Mark (Lauren) Palmieri, Amanda Gryzmolowicz, Nicholas (Kristen) Palmieri, Cori-Ann Cannarella, Michelle (Patrick) Manning, Richard (Sonja) Gryzmolowicz, Samantha Stanton, and Paul Cannarella Jr.
Her traditional values continue to blossom through her twenty-one great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. Lorraine was also the admired sister of John Peligra and the late Philip Peligra, and she leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who worshiped her dearly.
Though the physical absence of our matriarch leaves an irreplaceable void, the legacy of her love, her strength, and her nurturing spirit will never be forgotten. She will forever watch over the beautiful family she created, remaining our guiding light.
Lorraine’s remarkable life will be celebrated during the following services. Visitation was Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford, N.J. A Funeral Mass will be offered Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit RC Church, 318 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock Township, NJ. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Lorraine’s honor to Susan G. Komen.