Lorraine Foster

Lorraine (Mellor) Foster, 95, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025.

She is survived by two sons, Michael Fusco and Charles Foster; a daughter, Darlene Foster; and a daughter-in-law, Alice Foster. Lorraine was predeceased by a son, James J. Foster, Sr., Horticulturist, in July 2007 and by a daughter, Diane F. Davis-Rose, in August 2007. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Debbie, Brenda, Kim, Giuliana, Christine, James, Jr., and Jessica; and five great grandchildren.

Lorraine was a determined mother who worked hard to care for her children and make a better life for her family. She was a self-made success, rising from collecting welfare as a single mother to running an extremely successful business.

Lorraine ran an advertising and promotional business from her home for over 35 years. This allowed her to provide for her family and to become an integral part of Worcester’s business community. She was a Certified Advertising Specialist and won two Golden Pyramid Awards. She had previously worked in the dietary department at Worcester City Hospital and had been a cocktail waitress at several restaurants.

Lorraine was involved with Big Brother/Big Sister for many years and was instrumental in many of their successful fund raising and awareness campaigns. She was one of the first mothers to be on the Board of Directors and was elevated to that position at a convention in Denver. It was in Denver that she was instrumental in the uniting of Big Brothers and Big Sisters as a common entity. She would later stand beside former Mayor, Israel Katz at his signing of the Proclamation of Big Brothers Big Sisters Week in Worcester.

She was also active in Westborough Lioness Club, where she held the position of Secretary and was chairperson of many fundraising events.

Lorraine’s wish for the end of her life story was to “Thank all of my customers over my 36 years in business”, with their help, she made a difference in the lives of her children and was able to help so many other children along the way.

A period of Calling Hours will be held for Lorraine on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home &Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 25 Fales Street, Worcester. Interment will immediately follow Mass at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lorraine’s memory to the Big Brothers Big Sisters.