Obituary of Lorraine E. West

Lorraine E. West of Claymont, Delaware, passed away on June 19, 2024 after many years of health challenges. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 2, 1933, the only child of John Boyce and Evelyn Jones Boyce. Lorraine, known as "Rainie" since childhood, grew up in the city of Wilmington and attended Wilmington High School. 

A self-sufficient spirit for 91 years, Lorraine went to work at 15 as a waitress at Reynolds Candy Company in downtown Wilmington. She worked in a retail department store, where she broadened her flair for fashion as a sales associate for men's clothing. Dressing well continued to be a lifelong priority. Her career as a financial manager began as a bank teller and continued as a bookkeeper in insurance, private business, medical practices, and government administrations. Although she retired in 1997, Lorraine never stopped working. For the last 20 years of her life she volunteered as treasurer for the Claymont Historical Society and Naamans Heritage Association. 

Lorraine married Michael J. Mastro in 1953. Their only child, Linda Mastro, was born in Wilmington in 1954. The family moved to Claymont in 1958 and Lorraine lived in this home for 66 years. Early in her marriage, she converted to the Roman Catholic faith and sacrificed to ensure that Linda received 12 years of Catholic education. The couple divorced in 1966. In the 1970s, Lorraine reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Robert "Bobby" West at his sister's wedding. They married in 1979 and built a marriage founded on unwavering love, trust, laughter, and music. Bobby passed away in 1997. Lorraine stayed single for her remaining years, insisting that "Once you've had the best, no one else will do." 

As an only child, Lorraine's cousins and in-laws were like brothers and sisters. She adopted co-workers, friends, and Linda's extended circle of friends as her family. She was known as "Mom" to many who enjoyed her graceful hospitality. She never hesitated to listen to the joys and hardships of others and rarely shared her own pain and struggles.

Curiosity and generosity drew Lorraine to all kinds of people. Everyone was welcome in her home. She  hosted Thanksgiving in July dinners, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers, and Christmas feasts. Long after she was able to prepare a dinner party, her dining room table was set with placemats, linen napkins, and fresh cut flowers. She spent hours connecting with her family and friends on phone calls, through texts and emails, always ready to dispense encouragement and wise advice. She taught herself how to use a computer and a smartphone, and she was delighted to discover the endless bounty available from online shopping. 

After Bobby's death, Lorraine traveled around the country and to Canada and Europe with her best friend, Carolyn Mercadante, who passed in 2020. When she became too ill to travel, Lorraine tuned in to YouTube and took virtual trips to Italy, Switzerland, and any place that drew her in with beauty and music.

Lorraine was a long-time parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Claymont and a supporter of the Saint Francis of Assisi Capuchin Friary in Wilmington. She stayed faithful to her love of the Catholic Church by attending Mass on YouTube when she could no longer go to an in-person service.

Lorraine loved music of all kinds (except jazz and rap), theatre, dancing, and a Grey Goose martini, up, with a twist and an olive, ice on the side. Going out to eat was one of her greatest pleasures. Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Linda Mastro, adopted son, Jerry Younker, and grand-dog, Marleah of Easton, Maryland; stepdaughter, Gail West, and niece Judy Yearicks of South Carolina; grandson Brian Robinson, his wife Dawn Robinson, and great-grandsons Remy Robinson and Nash Robinson of Hurlock Maryland; son-by-another-mother, Bill Martin of Elkton, Maryland; and dozens of her "kids" that she gathered into her heart through the decades of her life. 

Special thanks go out to Delaware Hospice for their months of compassionate and attentive care. Neighbors Bob, Lisa and Kristen Raup were on her team in good times and in the challenging months prior to her death. 

The best way to honor Lorraine is to laugh often and to hug the people you love. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Delaware Hospice. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Rosary Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, in Claymont, on Friday, June 28 at 11:00am. A viewing will be held at Holy Rosary prior to Mass from 9:45am to 10:45am. A private interment will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.