Obituary: Lorraine Cofrances, 97, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Lorraine Cofrances, age 97, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, surrounded by her family. Lorraine was born on September 24, 1926, and raised in Naugatuck, one of six children to the late Philip and Julia (McDermott) Mallane.

Lorraine was known as “Rainey Day” a jazz singer in the music community whose singing spanned over 50 years beginning in New Orleans and continuing in Vermont and the tri state area with her beloved jazz saxophonist, husband Bill who she met while singing. Lorraine married Bill Cofrances, the love of her life in 1951. She and Bill made a beautiful life together in Woodbridge having five children all inspired with their love of music whether jazz, blues, rock, pop or classical. Music was always playing and many a singing and dance party with wooden spoons would spontaneously take place in the kitchen.

She is survived by her five children, Barbara, Maureen, Beverly and husband Peter, William and his wife Maria, Lorraine, and her husband Jack. Grandchildren Justin and his wife Jessica, Shelby Rose, and William Andrew. Great grandchildren Riley, Jonathan, and Reese all with the love of music instilled in them. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Barbara Mallane and Jeannine Mallane as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Lorraine is predeceased by her parents Philip and Julia (McDermott) Mallane, sister, Virginia Michele, brothers, Philip Mallane Jr., Patrick Mallane, W. Lander Mallane and Roy Mallane, father-in-law Dr. Louis Cofrances and his wife Rose, sister-in-law, Louise Cofrances Pellico and her husband Andrew, son in law Craig Kuziel, all who made selfless contributions to their country and communities.

The family wishes to thank Connecticut Hospice Care for their compassionate caregiving to mom and support for the family. A special thanks as well to Porto Funeral Home, generational family friends who gave the family comfort and support in honoring Lorraine’s end of life wishes.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Lorraine’s life will be held in the spring. There are no calling hours honoring Lorraine’s request but to enjoy a favorite song in her memory.

Memorial Contributions may be made to CT Hospice at www.hospice.com.