Lorraine “NanaRani” Marani

10/19/1930 — 11/28/2011

My grandmother, Lorraine Marani, was known to all as “NanaRani”. She was one of the kindest, most loving people you could ever meet. She touched the lives of everyone she met, even if it was only one time. She was known especially for her cooking and her amazing hugs. I could just walk in the room after a long day, and all she would say is “My Rinabell” and her face instantly lit up. She loved all of her family, especially her grandchildren. We were her whole life.

On my 21st birthday, about 2 years ago, she was diagnosed with melanoma. I’ll never forget being in Vegas and getting the phone call. Of course, we didn’t think much of it because, after all, she never even got a cold! She was the strongest person I have ever met, and her battle with cancer just proved that even more.

She fought a long courageous battle with skin cancer. She went through abrasive surgeries and chemotherapy for those long 2 years. However, after every surgery she always came out with a smile on her face. I specifically remember seeing her after she had brain surgery, thinking that she might not even remember me when I went to see her. I was wrong. I walked in and she greeted me with the usual “Rinabell!” and big smile that I loved! She was laughing and joking around just a few short hours after such a major surgery.

It was not long after that the treatments came to a halt. She had fought her fight and lived to see her first great-grandson born and her granddaughter get married. She always said she would make it to that day, and we all know how stubborn she was!

She is missed every single day. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss her warm smile. I was lucky enough to be able to spend so much time with her and even go with her to some of her treatments. I know she is watching over all of us, and we will forever have an amazing guardian angel. May she now be able to rest in the sweetest peace.

I miss you so much, Nana. xoxox

Erina Carr, granddaughter