Lorraine Anna Williams Pedretti OBITUARY
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, to the late Angelina LaValle Williams and Julius Williams; beloved wife of 53 years to Robert Leland Pedretti of San Jose, and devoted mother of Mark Samuel Pedretti (Allegra) of Barrington, Rhode Island. Cherished grandmother of Julian Pedretti. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Mary Barnett, Lawrence Williams, Julius Williams, Jr., and Jean Fournier.
Lorraine earned her BS degree in occupational therapy from New York University in 1959 and an MS degree in occupational therapy at San Jose State College in 1964. She received scholarships or tuition grants for all of her years of study. Her professional career spanned some 35 years. She was employed at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, and Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey. After earning her MS degree, she practiced at the Hartford Rehabilitation Center in Hartford, Connecticut, from 1964-1968. She left Hartford to pursue an academic career at San Jose State College (now University). During her tenure at San Jose State, she achieved the rank of full professor and was awarded several honors. She authored and edited a textbook on physical disabilities, and was its primary editor through 5 editions. She also produced many videos for learning by self-instruction.
Following an early retirement in 1994, Lorraine became a credentialed teacher of English as a Second Language and pursued that work from 1998 to 2012. After that, she continued to serve as an ESL classroom aide and volunteer. She was passionate about this work and saw many parallels between teaching language to immigrants and occupational therapy principles: to achieve higher function and greater independence in life.
In her leisure time, Lorraine enjoyed reading, crocheting, sewing, theater, and travel. Her Christian faith journey went on throughout her life. From Catholic catechism classes at St. Francis Church in Hackensack, to her confirmation which she made there, to Vatican II Discussion groups, church choir at the Hartford Cathedral, and later at St. Christopher Church in San Jose, to the Charismatic movement. For over 35 years she was a member of the 10:00 AM community at Mission Santa Clara. These were especially precious years of faith, meeting wonderful spirit-filled people and enjoying deep Christian relationships. Lorraine met her husband through her prayer group; he and Lorraine had much in common and found their Catholic faith a source of marriage stability and positive relationship.
Funeral Services to be held Monday, November 18, 2:00 P.M. at Saint Clare's Chapel at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Lunch reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in her memory to Sacred Heart Community Services, 1381 S. First Street, San Jose CA 95110.
