Lorraine I. Herzig

FLORENCE – Lorraine I. Herzig, a most beautiful soul joined her beloved husband Wallace Herzig in Heaven early on a rainy morning, Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Lorraine passed away at 97 years of age in the comfort of her own bed, as she chose to live at home with the support of Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice.
Lorraine Ida (Vacchelli Battey) Herzig, the eldest child of Angelo Julius and Irene (Brooks) Vacchelli, was born on September 14, 1927 in West Farms, MA. She attended West Farms and Northampton schools and was a member of Annunciation Church in Florence. Lorraine’s legendary tenacity and strong work ethic were forged at an early age. She grew up in a house with no electricity or indoor facilities, and water was carried in by bucket from a brook. Towards the end of the Great Depression, Mom was so proud to get a bicycle on payments so she could start contributing to the family. She delivered the Daily Hampshire Gazette by bicycle on mainly dirt roads to 34 stops.
Lorraine continued working as a teenager, doing housekeeping and later working in the Executive Dining room at “the Brush Shop” in Florence. She also worked at many local businesses including The Box Shop, The Felt Factory, The White Restaurant (now Summit View), and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She retired in 1990 after working for the Department of Mental Health for 30 years. When the Northampton State Hospital closed, she was responsible for community transition for a group of prior patients from the Hospital. It a responsibility she honored and received recognition from the State for her service. She continued working part-time until age 76 as a crossing guard and delivering meals.
Lorraine had seven children with her first husband, Nelson Ames “Bucky” Battey (deceased 2005): Son Nelson John (deceased 1962), daughter Lois Cross (Arthur) of Williamsburg, son David (Janice) of Pensacola, FL, son Jeremiah (Lillian) of Maplewood, NJ, son Mark of Whately, daughter Naomi Badach (Gregory) of Easthampton, and daughter Sylvia “Bunny” Kearney, who lived with and cared for Mom at home. With her second husband Wallace, Lorraine became a second Mom to Wallace Herzig Jr. (Patty) of Leyden, MA, Sheina Fontaine (James) of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Calvin Herzig (deceased 1975).
Moreover, Lorraine was a mother to many other people in her life, as she freely gave of her love, time and support to those who needed her. At any time you visited, you would have a drink and cake in front of you before you could say no. She and Wally hosted many family and holiday gatherings at their residence. They also loved being grandparents and great-grandparents. Mom and Wally had each suffered the loss of a child, and they cared about children with sensitivity and tenderness.
Lorraine was a woman strong of will, strong of faith, and strong of mind. Even at 97, Mom’s memory was remarkable. She kept up with family happenings, current affairs, local news, and she loved to play her lucky lottery numbers.
Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, Angelo and Irene Vacchelli, both of her husbands, Nelson Battey and Wallace Herzig Sr., son Nelson John Battey, stepson Calvin Herzig, and grandson Christopher John Badach. Her only brother, Angelo Vacchelli Jr. passed away in 2023 and she missed him greatly. She is survived by her sisters Dorathy Asher of Yarmouth Port, MA and Sherry Vacchelli of Holyoke, MA, and many nieces and nephews. Lorraine’s strength of spirit runs strong in her children, twenty grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren (and one more on the way!) and one great great-grandchild. She was blessed to have family and many friends who loved her in her long life.
Calling hours for Lorraine will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton. Family and friends will gather at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, on Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Annunciation Chapel, 85 Beacon St., Florence. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 235 N. Elm St., Northampton.
We all rejoice that Lorraine will be reunited with Wally. They were inseparable for nearly 50 years, and she missed him always. Let her live on your hearts and share your memories, or those memories will be lost like tears in rain. Her family would like to thank the caring home health aides and nurses who helped fulfill Lorraine’s wishes of staying at home, including Corrina, Julie, Regina, Liz, Wendy, Mary, Karen, Nikki, Moe, Jojo and volunteer Kathleen. Please send donations to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 168 Industrial Dr., Northampton, MA 01060.