Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see...
That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them....But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. They were too good for this world... Hebrews 11:1; 16; 37A few words about this Memorial website. Lorraine seemed to live a simple life, no great wordly accomplishments, not the center of large groups of people, not leading a movement, nor having an important job. She never had a real career nor married nor had children. But she touched so many lives, I will even say, according to so many, many messages I have received, she has changed lives, leaving an indelible mark on people all through her lifetime.
It goes without saying that our little family would not have had whatever goodness we have without her. Her quiet influence on people, based on her great faith in God, and her great selfless love of everyone who came into her life, really touched all of us who were blessed enough to know her. I am not saying this as her mother, even though I know it to be true, but because so many, many people have told me so. Some have not been in touch with her since third grade, yet have strong memories of her and were touched by her.
She had enormous courage, as I go over the memories, I realize that more than I did when she was alive. She was afraid of nothing - she went away to her first blind camp with enthusiasm, whereas we were scared to death. She spent several weeks at the School for blind and deaf in St. Augustine every summer, again, she was looking forward to it even the first time, while we shuddered in worry. She travelled by herself by plane, taxi, bus, bicycle, even ice skates without any hesitation while we held our breath.
I have chosen the pictures simply by emotion, they evoked strong memories, some glorious, some heartbreakingly sad, but I wanted a true depiction of her life shown in them. (I uploaded them in chronological order, but that's now how they came out - it'll be a while before they are straightened out and descriptions added.)
The songs I chose were partly some of her favorites, some describe her life, and some are songs that Lisa and I would like to sing to her. She raised us up, she was our sunshine, and truly the wind beneath our wings. The song always in my head is "Go Rest High Upon That Mountain" by Vince Gill." It is a perfect depiction of her life then and now.
Please feel free to leave your stories on the memory page, or add any picture. I will be adding all the eulogies from which I could hardly pick a favorite, and some letters, emails and messages that surprised me and comforted me.
I thought I'd give you the memorial websites for Rainy's Daddy and Brother Ricky if you would like to see them.
http://jimmy-colletti.memory-of.com/
http://ricky-colletti-2007.memory-of.com/
OBITUARY
Lorraine Ruth Colletti
6/27/1976 - 12/13/2011
Born and lived in Tampa before College; then moved to Clearwater. Beloved daughter of and precious gift to her parents, Mary Colletti, Clearwater and James Colletti who predeceased her 6/27/09. She was beloved sister of Ricky, who predeceased her 9/27/07 and Lisa Pickett and brother in law Daniel Pickett both of Gibsonton. She also left two nephews, Joshua and Jeremy Pickett, and two nieces; Jessica and Kaylee Turner. She also left many aunts and uncles; including Lorraine Cooper, William Langone, Theresa Satterfield who predeceased her; Edward Colletti and Phyllis Greytak. Her Godparents were Carolyn Weber and Edward Colletti. She also left 16 first cousins, as well as numerous other cousins, most of whom were very close to her and will miss her greatly.
She attended Christ the King and St. Patrick Catholic Schools; Bayshore Christian and graduated Center Academy, all of Tampa. She attended Ferrum College in VA, then transferred to Beacon College, Leesburg, FL where she obtained a BA in Human Services. She worked as a special ed preschool teacher. She was a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church and a one-time member of the Marian Servants of Divine Providence. She had a real talent in acting on stage; loved to paint and travel.
She fought brain cancer since she was a child, which blinded her and ruined her health, and it finally conquered her body, but not her spirit which will live forever. She died at home, in her own bed, in the arms of her mother and sister.
She was a devout Catholic and suffered many many years with great courage; without bitterness or complaint; maintaing a sweet disposition and strong faith. There is a huge void in our lives now, and heaven's gain is our loss. We do believe we will be with her, her dad and brother one day, our family all together again.
Wake and funeral at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church Saturday, January 7 at 11 o'clock, followed by interment at nearby cemetery and then reception at our home. You may call at 727-799-1248.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorraine's memory to "Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer", 711 S. Bayview Ave., Clearwater FL 33759-4251. The Marian Servants Community have held us all up since Lorraine was a child and meant the world to our family. Another option would be "Suncoast Hospice Foundation", 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760. Hospice has gotten us through the last several months and are very worthy of support. We would not have been able to let Lorraine die at home peacefully with her family without them. Thank you.
