Lorraine D. Tashjian
Date of Passing:
Lorraine Mailhiot Tashjian, 94, of Barrington, RI, died on September 7, 2024.
She was born in Cambridge, MA to Lawrence and Odile Mailhiot where she grew up with sisters Annette (Walsh, deceased), Collette (Graham), and Jeanne d’Arc (Mayo.)
She lived most of her life in Cumberland, where she worked, volunteered, taught, and raised her family, as well as fostering five special needs women over thirty years. She was President of the Blackstone Valley ARC and a member of the Governor’s Special Disability Council. She also taught adult living skills at the Northern Rhode Island ARC and volunteered in the Barrington School system. January 31, 1986 was declared Lorraine Tashjian Day by the Governor of RI, acknowledging her lifelong work as a fierce disability advocate.
Lorraine was also a skilled seamstress, teaching hundreds of children to sew at the Singer Sewing Center, as well as Adult Ed classes at Walpole High School. She was the first female manager at National Fabrics Store and a buyer for Jordan Marsh in Boston. She was also an avid traveler. She loved people and nothing pleased her more than a house full of friends and family at her table.
She is preceded in death by her son John Tashjian, daughter Mary Paliza, and beloved husband Vahram Tashjian. She is survived by her sons Warren, Douglas, and Peter, and her daughter Mari-ann (Sullivan) as well as nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A Celebration of her Life will be held on Sunday September 15, 2024 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 2 p.m. Calling Hours are Sunday afternoon 12 noon to 2 p.m. Donations to The ARC Rhode Island, PO Box 3929, Pawtucket, RI 02861 will be greatly appreciated.
Although I didn’t know Lorraine personally I just knew that she was the most loving woman in the world!! For I knew she loved and cared for the special needs men and women under her care and her husband!!,,For there’s a place for her and her husband in Heaven!(
She left a positive mark on my life, always showing me compassion and love. She insisted on giving me a feather Boa to wear just to class up my party outfit. I tell people about her defense of those with special needs and the spirit of a woman of such small stature. She was a true heroine.
She battled long and hard, and
battled well,
and battle worn and weary, with Warren in good hands, I think she was ready for the death knell.
In heaven she’ll be well seated, as she went there undefeated.
And knowing Mom, I bet she blew through those heavenly gates like a bat outta hell.
I first met Lorraine and her husband when they moved across the street from my family’s home on Eisenhower St, Cumberland, RI. Lorraine influenced my life more than she will ever know. She will be missed. She was a true living angel on earth and will continue her influence in heaven.
I grew up in her neighborhood in Cumberland. She was warm and welcoming to everyone. A beautiful woman and a beautiful soul. Another angel has returned to heaven.
Oh Lorraine, you will always be kept in my heart and memories as the classy, fun loving, extravagantly interesting and caring individual that you were! Not to mention my mom’s best friend ❤️ You will be sorely missed. God bless you ✝️
My deepest sympathies for your loss. The memories I have of the “after prom” parties with your mom making breakfast for all will be cherished forever. God Bless and may she rest in peace.
Lorraine and the Tashjian family were our neighbors in Cumberland and our ‘friends like family’ for so many years. Lorraine’s love of life, interest in others, and positive outlook made everyone feel like they were special … and made her a special person in our lives, who we will always remember forever.
Many happy memories at your house with both our families.We are all blessed to have your Mom in our lives.My love and condolences.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7
I met Mrs. Tashjian more than forty years ago. From the outset it was clear that she loved her family fiercely — a lioness forever protecting her cubs.
Mrs. Tashjian welcomed me into her presence on numerous occasions, but I will always remember three: two during visits to Rhode Island; one in Washington, DC.
On one visit Mr. & Mrs. Tashjian had just returned from a trip to Europe, and, most especially, romantic Paris. I will never forget the expression on her face as Mrs. Tashjian laughingly described herself as being “a kept woman” during their time together. She said she felt like she was on a honeymoon. At this time the Tashjian children were well grown and mostly out of the house.
On another occasion, Mr. & Mrs. Tashjian took me out on their sailboat. I was preparing for a charter in which I’d be a first-time skipper on a women-only sail. I needed verification and validation from another skipper regarding my sailing abilities before I’d be allowed to charter.
Not that I was able to demonstrate so much with the Tashjians, but they accommodated my request and were the gracious hosts that they always were. They provided documentation to attest to my capabilities and the rest was history. Yes, my woman sail was successful. The only challenges came from the varying personalities of the crew. Nonetheless, I will always be grateful to them both for their role in a major experience in my life. It was Mrs. Tashjian, however, that made the experience happen. She got her husband to take me out for a sail.
And, finally, another experience occurred when the Tashjians welcomed me to Washington DC, as the family received a national award for their lifelong work on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities. What a memorable night of glitz and glamour. Fun.
In these three, and in every interaction we had in between, Mrs. Tashjian exemplified grit, grace, and extraordinary generosity.
And while it has been many years since I first and last saw her, she will always maintain a special place in my heart—not for what she did, but certainly for the woman she was and how she made me feel. I was welcomed, seen, and appreciated. Not everybody does that especially with strangers; but she certainly did.
“… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’” Matthew 25:21
Rest in peace and your power, Mrs. Tashjian. Gone but never forgotten.
To the family, I am very sorry for this loss; to Mari-Ann, especially, you are a good and dutiful daughter. You provided your mother with a wonderful landing spot in her golden years. You are the one who slips your arm in a sleeve and out comes your mother’s hand. I am very sorry for your loss.
“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NKJV
With sympathy and much respect,
Such fond memories of one of the most wonderful people on this earth. We were all blessed to have known her and had her in our lives. Our must sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. Thinking of you all and sending our love. Michael and Chris Caroppoli
Everyone who met Mrs. Tashjian loved her. A great woman who loved her family and friends with all her heart. She will be sadly missed! R.I.P. Mrs. Tashjian
Such a special lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all with our deepest sympathy. Love, The Roza Family.
Our deepest condolences to all of Lorraine’s family and friends.
Love Carrie and Michael