Lorraine Sliwicki

Lorraine M. Sliwicki, 88, of New Jersey, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and joyful tradition. Born on September 29, 1937, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Lorraine lived a life centered on family, community, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

Lorraine was the beloved wife of the late John R. Sliwicki Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and dancing—especially to the lively rhythms of Polka music. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, tradition, and cherished memories, often traveling the world alongside family and close friends from the Polka community.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Lorraine’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her four loving children: Marty of Princeton, NJ; Steve of Marietta, GA; John of Leonardo, NJ and his wife Ellen, along with their children Sean and Stephanie; and Cheryl Reyes of Mountainside, NJ and her husband Bill, along with their children William and Andrew. Lorraine’s love extended deeply to her grandchildren, whom she adored and supported wholeheartedly.

Lorraine was a woman of deep faith and service. A longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church in Elizabeth, she attended Mass faithfully, including all holy days, and generously gave her time volunteering within the parish. She was especially known for her involvement in church bingo and her active role in the school PTA, always eager to support her community.

For more than 50 years, Lorraine dedicated herself to her work at Trinitas Medical Center, where she served in various departments and touched the lives of countless colleagues and patients with her kindness and work ethic.

Lorraine embraced life’s simple pleasures with enthusiasm and tradition. She was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and treasured the many games she attended with her family—where, true to tradition, she enjoyed hot dogs and beer. Summers were often spent at the Jersey Shore, creating lasting memories during family vacations. One of her most beloved traditions was attending the annual Polka Spree by the Sea in Wildwood, NJ, where music, dancing, and friendship came together.

Proud of her Polish-American heritage, Lorraine found great joy in her ties to the Elizabeth Bayway Polish Home, where weekends were filled with laughter, delicious food, and lifelong friendships.

Lorraine was known as a rule follower with a fun-loving spirit. She was famous for her quick one-liners and quirky sense of humor, often bringing laughter to any room she entered. She had a generous heart and found happiness in feeding others—whether or not she did the cooking (usually not). Her generosity knew no bounds, and she faithfully supported causes close to her heart, including her church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and local animal shelters.

Lorraine will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, her traditions, and above all, her deep love for her family. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will live on in the lives she touched and the memories she created.

May she rest in eternal peace.