Lorraine Ann Hart of Truro and South Deerfield died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sept. 19, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield of a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. She was 73.
The only child of the late Stanton L. and Winifred (Petit) Hart, Lorraine was born on Aug. 3, 1951 in Peekskill, N.Y. A 1969 graduate of Peekskill High School, she graduated from Northeastern University in 1973 and earned an M.Ed. from Springfield College in 1978.
Lorraine began a career in financial planning in 1979 with IDS (later American Express). In 1986, she joined Shawmut Bank as a trust officer in Hampshire and Franklin counties. She became a certified financial planner in 1986 and graduated from the American Bankers Association program for trust professionals in 1988. In 1990 Lorraine went on her own to work as an independent financial planner.
Lorraine and her wife, Cheryl Patterson, formed Hart & Patterson Financial Services in 1992. A few years later they became part-time Eastham residents; after 20 years in Eastham, Truro became their part-time home.
Lorraine loved to paint and to bird on the dunes and marshes of the Outer Cape. Her favorite spots were Hatches Harbor and the West End Moors of Provincetown.
Lorraine and Cheryl adhered to a simple philosophy in their business: if you do the right thing every day and treat people well, you will create lasting relationships. Lorraine retired from the firm in 2009. Hart & Patterson Financial Group, a pioneering woman-owned firm in the Pioneer Valley of Western Mass., continues to thrive.
A $99 airfare to Paris in 1992 kicked off a series of travels for the couple. Together they visited at least 28 countries, many more than once. They traveled to New Zealand in January of this year. Their African safari was one of the highlights of Lorraine’s life: she cared for all creatures whether large or small, domestic or wild. Lorraine’s spirit of adventure and warmth brought laughter and smiles to everyone whose paths she crossed.
Lorraine was also a wonderful cook; she expressed her love of family and friends with gourmet meals that often ended with her famous chocolate molten lava cake.
She began playing the piano at age 10 and continued to play throughout her life. She sang in the Outer Cape Chorale, including in its 2019 holiday concerts.
Beginning with a painting class just before her retirement, Lorraine found great joy in plein air and studio painting. She studied with John Clayton and the late Camille Przewodek in Provincetown as well as with Rosalie Nadeau of Orleans.
Lorraine also challenged herself in retirement with her ongoing study of French.
She loved to laugh and always had a witty remark or story to share with friends and family. She is remembered for her grace, zest for life, and ability to draw people into her warm embrace.
Lorraine is survived by Cheryl A. Patterson, her life partner and wife of 36 years. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Natalie Patterson of Greenfield; sisters-in-law Susan M. Patterson and wife Tami Gaylor of South Deerfield and Susan T. Patterson of Northfield; brother-in-law David Patterson of South Deerfield; nieces and nephews Max Patterson of Northfield, Mary Grace Parsons of Northfield, Ivy Patterson of Sudbury, Nathan Patterson of Waltham, McKenzie Patterson of Northampton, and Abby Patterson of Conway; and Jennifer Buell of Asheville, N.C. and Cyndi Christian of Wilmington, N.C., who she also considered to be her nieces. Her great-nieces and great-nephews also brought her joy and happiness.
Cheryl asks that Lorraine be honored by lending a helping hand to those in need. Memorial gifts may be made to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, the Loon Preservation Committee, or Helping Our Women.
Services will be private. A celebration of Lorraine’s life will be held in 2025.
