Lucina “Lorraine” Canzoneri Polito

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved Lucina “Lorraine” Canzoneri Polito on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the age of 80.

Mrs. Polito was born in Independence, Louisiana, on December 30, 1942. She was a graduate of Independence High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Joe, and was blessed to be a stay-at-home mother raising their three beautiful children.  Her many talents brought cherished memories to her family and friends. She loved gardening and took pride in her beautiful backyard. The small piece of cactus she carefully brought back from Italy thrived under her care and now adorns the yards of many of her loving family members. Lorraine learned to sew at an early age. She was an expert at making patterns out of newspaper and miraculously creating prom dresses. On Tuesday mornings, she and her close friends would meet to bowl with their league. She was also a talented artist and an amazing cook. Although Piccadilly Cafeteria was an important part of her family’s life, they never had to go to a restaurant because they had Lorraine’s cooking waiting for them at home. One day, her children may come close to duplicating the spaghetti and meatballs that she cooked on the stove for hours so they could eat it when they all came home from Sunday Mass. Lorraine and Joe were blessed to have a beautiful circle of friends to share the happiest and the most challenging times of their lives.

Lorraine’s strong faith was developed in her by her grandmother, Frances Nicosia, who helped raise her after the tragic death of her mother and brother when she was fifteen years old. Lorraine continued to instill this faith in her family, a faith strong enough to move mountains. In 1974, after the miraculous healing of a lump in her neck, Lorraine and her adoring husband Joe began a walk with Christ that transformed the rest of their lives. Lorraine served twenty-five years as a retreat speaker and, along with Joe, sang as a member of the music ministry with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans. She touched thousands with her testimony. Lorraine will be most remembered for her fervent belief in the scripture from Romans 8:28 - “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Her family and friends lean on this scripture for strength, just as she demonstrated for them every day of her life.

Lorraine is lovingly remembered by her husband of 61 years Joseph Polito; children, Joseph Polito and Brenda, Michele Polito Leger Boudreaux and Randy, and Jeff Polito; grandchildren, Joseph Polito Jr. and Deveni, Anna Leger Mount and Evan, Michael Polito, Jordan Polito, Roman Polito, Dominick Polito, and Christopher Polito; great-granddaughters, Gia Belle Polito, Emilia Antoinette Rosalina Mount, and soon-to-be-born Stella Marie Polito; sisters-in-law, Ginger Polito Simon and Veronica Polito Bankston and Roy; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Antoinette Canzoneri; grandparents, Paul and Frances Nicosia; brother, Tony Canzoneri, and sister, Frances Canzoneri Juneau.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 620 3rd St., Independence, Louisiana 70443 on Friday at 11:30 am, with The Most Reverend Bishop Sam Jacobs, Deacon Nat Garofalo, and Deacon Greg Gross officiating.

Entombment will follow at Colonial Cemetery in Independence, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorraine’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.