12/23/2025
Lorraine B. Leary
Age: 97 of Haddonfield
Lorraine, who was 97, died on Friday, December 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born Alice Lorraine Berrigan on August 6, 1928 in Camden, New Jersey, she lived her early life in the Bluebird section of Collingswood, graduated from Collingswood High School, and earned her nursing degree from West Jersey Hospital. In 1950, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Leary (1922 – 2011). They shared 61 wonderful years together.
Lorraine could often be found sitting on her front porch at all times of the year, enjoying the sun and watching the activity on Graisbury Avenue, where she lived since 1957. Here, she raised her four daughters, and hosted many celebrations with family and friends.
Lorraine was an active community member, neighbor, and member of the Haddon Fortnightly, a 130 year old member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs where she served as vice president and treasurer. Lorraine served as a board member for Camden County Health Services in Lakeland, a director of healthcare for Assisted Living in Camden, a nurse for the State of N.J. drug addiction recovery program, a Head Start nurse for families without healthcare in North Philadelphia, a camp nurse at Matollionequay in Medford and an operating room nurse at West Jersey Hospital.
Lorraine was a life-long strategic bridge player, who loved the Jersey Shore. She also, loved to travel; visiting Italy, France, Croatia, Mexico and parts of the U.S. She was often seen at the Collingswood Farmer’s Market getting organic produce and supporting her local farmers. Lorraine kept in shape walking the neighborhood or swimming laps during the summer months at Crystal Lake Pool. She was well known for her witty sense of humor and laughed often with friends and family. Her mantra was “Take time to laugh for it is the music of the soul.”
Lorraine is survived by her brother, John Berrigan (Dorothy); four daughters, Judith, Maureen, Nora (Frederick), and Amy (Laurent); seven grandchildren: Meghan Urban (Matthew), Dylan Naughton Lanza (Adam), Caitlin Haugh (Ryan), James Naughton III, Erin Schemenski (Garrett), Morgan Schemenski (Benjamin), and Celine Bibonne; and four great grandchildren: Price Urban, Hayden Pearson, Theodore Haugh, and Quinn Lanza.
Her family is celebrating Lorraine’s life on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church (St. Joseph the Worker Parish), 901 Hopkins Road in Haddon Township. Receiving at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be sent to to the Haddon Fortnightly, 301 Kings Highway, PO Box 321, Haddonfield, NJ 08033, or to the Sierra Club, PO Box 7063, Merrifield, VA 22116-997. ( https://www.thehaddonfortnightly.org/about-us-1 )