Obituary of Lorraine Margaret Ruane

Lorraine Ruane (nee McDonald), 52, of Morganville, NJ, died in her home on Saturday, June 1, 2019.

Born in Dublin and raised in Finglas, Ireland, Lorraine immigrated to the United States at the age of 21 in the hopes of finding opportunities and building a life for herself. With a heart of gold and limitless patience, she obtained work as a nanny for a New Jersey family and immediately became a beloved fixture in the children’s lives. Eventually she moved on to other families, making an indelible impact on the dozens of boys and girls she helped raise over the next three decades. In fact, many of the children she watched over kept in touch with her long after they entered adulthood.

It was while serving as a nanny that Lorraine met the love of her life, Tim, who delivered mail to the street where she worked. Struck by her beauty and enthralled by her accent, Tim made sure to strike up a conversation with her every time she was out with the children — even if it meant pretending to know about the World Cup. They soon started dating and married in 1994. Their home was filled with laughter and happiness, which was enhanced by the birth of their children Hailey in 2002 and Thomas in 2005.

By all accounts, Lorraine will be remembered as a person without a mean bone in her body. She could get along with anyone and was a friend for life to those fortunate enough to know her. This kindness was only equaled by her courage and inner strength, which were substantial. After all, she moved to a new country without knowing anyone there and found success on her own — very few people can say that. 

Lorraine’s passions included visiting historic sites and being with her family on both sides of the Atlantic, returning to Ireland whenever she could. She also loved watching movies and listening to music, especially classic country as well as the songs of the Beatles and the 1950s. And in the kitchen, she could have easily been mistaken for a professional chef.

Above all, Lorraine cherished the time she spent with her husband and children. She often could be found watching sports with Tim and enjoying reality television with Hailey. Through everything, she provided the absolute best care to Thomas, who is autistic. She will be greatly missed.

Lorraine was predeceased by her father Christopher McDonald, her aunts Margaret McDonald and Dolores Bindokas, her uncles Richard Whelan and Anthony McDonald, her cousin Vincent Fox, her father-in-law Edward Ruane and her mother-in-law Isabel Ruane.

She is survived by her husband Tim; her children Hailey and Thomas; her mother Angela McDonald; her brother Greg McDonald and his wife Fiona; her brother Conal McDonald and his wife Gillian; her sister Jennifer; and a wealth of uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service is planned for July, though an exact date has yet to be determined. For more information, contact Tim at simpsons005@aol.com. In lieu of flowers, Lorraine’s loved ones are requesting monetary donations to help her family during this trying time. To make a contribution, please visit

https://www.gofundme.com/LorraineMcDonaldRuane-Memorial-Fund