Lorraine Mary O'Connell Romano

Lorraine Mary O’Connell Romano, 76, of Hamden, died peacefully surrounded by her family at Yale New Haven Hospital, on Friday, December 19, 2025.

She was born in New Haven on May 6, 1949 to the late William and Helen Cassidy O’Connell Sr. and grew up on Lakeview Avenue in Hamden. Lorraine graduated from Hamden High in 1968 and worked throughout the Hamden Public Schools for 24 years as a paraprofessional and administrative assistant at numerous buildings and departments. During her career she created lasting friendships and made deep impacts along the way.

Lorraine was predeceased by her brother, William O’Connell, Jr. She will be lovingly remembered by her dedicated husband of 55 years, Frederick Romano. She also leaves countless others with treasured memories of her loving spirit, including devoted daughters, Katie (Scott) Trauner and Melissa (Bill) Romano; son, Michael (Jesenia) Romano; and brother, Edward O’Connell. Lorraine’s heart was made full by her adoring grandchildren, Sophia Romano, May and Doug Trauner, Gabby Pesticci, and Jack, Chloe and Maddy Bafundo. Nothing motivated Lorraine more in overcoming unimaginable odds than being a grandma. Her greatest joy came from being present and engaged in all of her grandchildren’s lives. And nothing inspired her family and friends more than her relentless strength and example of courage and grace.

Lorraine loved living an active life and enjoyed gardening, especially nurturing her towering sunflowers and spectacular blue hydrangeas. She enjoyed knitting thoughtful gifts for others, cheering at her grandchildren’s games, baking chocolate cupcakes for birthdays, and laughing with her Golden Girls, Barbara Joslyn, Gerry Badamo, and Maureen Forselius. Lorraine also enjoyed traveling with her husband and their friends, Joe and Joanne Howland, and being beside the calm beauty of the ocean, particularly her beloved spot at Stony Creek.

Friends are invited to join her family for a Memorial Mass celebrating Lorraine’s life on Monday, January 5th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT in care of arrangements. Donations in memory of Lorraine can be made to The Sisters’ Project: www.thesistersproject.org/donate. To leave a condolence for her family, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.