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GRAFTON, Mass. – Lorraine Derie, a former district town nurse of Grafton, died Jan. 12 at her home following an illness. She was 88.
Derie was born Nov. 23, 1924, in Grafton to Henry J. and Florida Mercure Derie. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1942 and attended St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Boston College School of Nursing and a master’s degree in education from Worcester State College. She began her career at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.
Derie then became the district town nurse of Grafton before becoming the school nurse in the town of Franklin for 28 years and retiring in 1969. She was a member of St. James Church.
She also loved basketball and was a high school referee for girls’ basketball in central Massachusetts for several years. She enjoyed football and following the New England Patriots.
Derie is survived by a brother, Bernard Derie, of the order of St. John of God in California; a nephew, David (Patricia) Derie, of Oxford, Mass.; and several cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Derie; and a nephew, Ronald Derie.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, at St. James Church in Grafton. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Grafton. There are no calling hours. Roney Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice Care of Worcester, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.
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