Lorelee (Pepe) Graffeo

1960 - 2024

Lorelee (Pepe) Graffeo obituary, 1960-2024, Boxford, MA

Lorelee (Pepe) Graffeo

1960 - 2024

BORN

1960

DIED

2024

Lorelee Graffeo Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 2, 2024.
Boxford - Lorelee (Pepe) Graffeo passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024 at the Aspen Hill Memory Care Facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts after a lengthy battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. She was 64 years old.

Lorelee was born and raised in Quincy, MA by her parents Nicholas and Leona Pepe and was the youngest of five children; Ron Pepe (Elaine Darcy), Len Pepe (Margy), Valerie Pepe McNamara and Marcia Pepe Goulart. After graduating Archbishop Williams High School and Westfield State College, she utilized her Honors Business Administration Degree to land her first job at Dean Witter Reynolds Investments and later stepped into a role as Operations Manager at A.G. Edwards Inc. After meeting her husband Andy and later giving birth to their only child Andrew, she stepped away from working in finance and stepped into the role that she loved most which was raising her son as a stay-at-home mother. This career break resulted in her being able to immerse her son into both sides of the family through cousins, uncles, grandparents, and on. Once Andrew reached his mid-teens, Lorelee continued her passion for being a guiding light in young lives and became a Paraprofessional at Harry Lee Cole Elementary School before she later stepped away due to the onset of her diagnosis. While at home her husband and son stood unwavering by her side through her life and her disease with eventual help from the everlasting bond she formed with her amazing caregivers Karen Moniz and Cathy Huppe through daily activities, volunteering at the Rest-Stop Ranch Memory Garden, and many more.

Lorelee was more than just a wife, mother, and friend. She was a selfless and beautiful soul that made it her daily duty to make people smile. Whether it was one of her son's friends or a random person on the sidewalk, she made sure to try and make their day at least a little better. Anyone and everyone that knew her can attest to the truth that she was simply one-of-a-kind. Although the disease took its toll on her mind and body, it was clear that her bright and loving spirit still showed through until her last day on earth.

Lorelee is survived by her husband, Andy and her son Andrew. She is also survived by her brothers, Ron Pepe (Elaine Darcy), Len Pepe (Margy), her sisters, Valerie Pepe McNamara and Marcia Pepe Goulart. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Michael Graffeo (April Fitch), sister-in-law, Marylee Graffeo Fairbanks (Michael) and mother-in-law Rosalie (Ferullo) Graffeo. She had several nieces and nephews, Larry and Joe Graffeo, Sebastian Fairbanks, Holly McNamara (Dan), Emily McNamara (Chris), Nick Pepe (Betsy), Sam Pepe (Tamara), Julia Pepe (Matt), Tom Pepe (Meghan), Amelia Pepe (Tom), and Joey Goulart (Matthew). Lorelee also had eight great-nephews who will hear many beautiful and fun stories about their Great Aunt.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family, friends, and all that knew Lorelee are respectfully invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday, October 19 at 10:30AM at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Topsfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorelee's memory to the Rest Stop Ranch Memory Garden located at 202 Haverhill Road in Topsfield, MA. Arrangements are in the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home at 486 Main Street in Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or at www.comeaufuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 19, 2024

Love, The Mottola Family planted trees.

October 8, 2024

Liz and Jim Canik posted to the memorial.

October 7, 2024

Pam Dalton posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Love, The Mottola Family

Planted Trees

Liz and Jim Canik

October 8, 2024

There are no comforting words we can offer to all of you at this very sad time but we continue to pray for healing and peace for your entire family. We will miss our Lorelee, our precious cousin

Pam Dalton

October 7, 2024

Dear Andrew and Andy, I remember Lorelee as a kind and happy colleague at Cole School. When she spoke about Andrew her smile was the brightest. It was a pleasure to work with her and I will always admire the loving way she talked about her family. I am truly saddened by her loss and know that my thoughts are with all those that loved, cared and supported her through her Alzheimer´s diagnosis.

Christine Ferullo

October 6, 2024

Dear Andy and Andrew, I am so deeply sorry for the passing of Lorelee/your mom! She was such a beautiful light in the world, always with such a sunny disposition, always looking for the bright side of even the darkest of situations. I´ll never forget when I came to sit with her and Boo at the hospital, when you, Andy, were in the fight of your life. We sat in the waiting room, making ice cream sundaes to distract from the seriousness and Lorelee was so strong and positive. She had deep faith that you´d make it through and I can´t help thinking that her special brand of love was at least partially responsible for your recovery! I´ll never forget her infectious smile or the way she made me feel....so warm and always welcome. I will miss her and her big hugs! Sending so much love, deepest condolences and big hugs to you both and to Lorelee´s whole family. The world is a little darker without her in it.
With deepest condolences and lots of love, Chris xoxo

Debra Ferullo

October 4, 2024

Dear Andy and Andrew, I´m so deeply sorry for the loss of your Lorelee. She was so lovely. Always so kind, warm, welcoming and caring towards me and all of our family. I keep thinking back to the last time I saw her at Lake Winnie when you all came over on the boat. It was such a special time and I´m so grateful to have had that with her. Sending much love and strength always and an extra big hug to Andrew, lots of love Debbie

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

The Fairbanks family

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Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home

486 Main St, Haverhill, MA 01830

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Sign Lorelee Graffeo's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 19, 2024

Love, The Mottola Family planted trees.

October 8, 2024

Liz and Jim Canik posted to the memorial.

October 7, 2024

Pam Dalton posted to the memorial.