NEW BEDFORD-Mary Lorraine (Fortin) Melancon passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion.  She was the wife of Frederick "Ray" Melancon. They were married over 50 years.

Born in Dorchester, MA, she was the daughter of the late Lauretta Fortin, but raised by her grandmother, Florina (Meggison) Fortin in New Bedford, where she lived all her life. She graduated from New Bedford High School in June of 1952 and went to work at the Morse Cutting Tools from 1952-1971 and left when her youngest child was born.  She married her husband Ray in 1963.  He was a widower with two sons, Raymond and Bob. She had a son Robert and they had three more children together, Kevin, Michelle and David.  She returned to the work force in 1977, working at Ashley Ford sales until her retirement in 1999. Lorraine was a communicant of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church.

Survivors include son, Raymond of CT. Bob (Dannie) of Ocala, FL, Robert of New Bedford, Kevin of St. Helena, CA, daughter, Michelle (Jim) of Wilmington, MA and son, David (Melanie) of North Dartmouth; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; also survived by a brother, George (Carol) and a sister, Terry (Kyle) Milin of NJ.

Private arrangements are by the Donaghy New Day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford.  For memorial register please visit, www.newdayfunerals.com.