Lorraine Mazza

Lorraine L. Mazza passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends after a brief illness. Lorraine was a gentle lady who lived her life with class and dignity, which she maintained during her illness. No matter how sick she might have been, when asked she would say she was fine. She was a gracefully tough woman.

Lorraine was born on February 4, 1930 in Ithaca to parents Casper and Doris Sweazey. She grew up in Lansing, NY, where she attended and graduated from Lansing High School. On July 8, 1949, she married Bruno A. Mazza, Jr. and together they enjoyed the next 65 years. They took pleasure in dining out most nights, often with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Undeniably, her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a wonderful wife to Bruno, the best mother to Bruno "Rob" and Edward and a spectacular grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her family with all of her heart and they loved her dearly in return.

Lorraine was also blessed with many good friends and exceptionally good friendships with Sally Gates, Sherry Salotti and Pat Cusick, who tirelessly cared for her when she needed them.

Lorraine was very athletic and when her boys were very young she decided to play golf. She would only learn if she could include her boys, so she took them with her and taught them to play. She excelled at the game and was known for being very accurate and for her ability to putt well. She went on to win the women's City of Ithaca Championship as well as the club championship at the Country Club of Ithaca, where she and Bruno were two of the longest standing members after joining in 1961. She found great relaxation playing golf and it was by far her favorite activity. Due to her perpetual youthful appearance, her greatest difficulty in the game was proving that she was old enough to play in senior events.

Lorraine is survived by her sons, Bruno "Rob" and Edward; her daughter-in-law, Victoria Mazza; her grandchildren, Michael and Chelan, Jill, Christina and Wilfredo, Robert, Daniel and Michelle, Marc; and her great grandchildren, Isabella, Amila, Evelyn and Augusta Bruno, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lorraine is predeceased by her husband, Bruno, her parents, Casper and Doris, and her two brothers, Jim Sweazey and Tom Sweazey.

Services in remembrance of Lorraine include calling hours at Bangs Funeral Home Sunday, January 11th from 12:00-2:00 p.m.; and the funeral at St. Catherine of Siena Parish on January 23rd at 12:00 p.m. with a burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Lorraine is an avid Syracuse Basketball fan and thus, Lorraine's family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation at Carmello K. Anthony Basketball Center @ Manley Field House Syracuse, New York 13244.