Lorraine S. 'Rainbow' (Crane) Arena

Lorraine S. 'Rainbow' (Crane) Arena of Waltham, known to many as simply "Rainbow", died at Meadow Green Nursing Home in Waltham on May 3, 2023. She was 94.

Rainbow was born in Lexington on July 6, 1928, a daughter of the late Thomas and Edith (Bangs) Crane. Rainbow was a graduate of Waltham High School Class of 1946. In her career, she worked for many years as a bookkeeper for a local law firm, Harnish, McDonald & Mitchell P.C., and Brandeis University Athletic Department but her primary focus was raising her family.

Rainbow was a beloved and devoted wife, mother to nine children, and grandmother to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her greatest pride in life was her family and her marriage to the late Anthonino A. 'Tony' Arena. They were married on May 6th, 1949 at Saint Mary's Church where they remained lifelong parishioners. She was absolutely devoted to her husband, as he was to her, and their love was an inspiration to those around them. They enjoyed 73 years of marriage together before Tony’s passing last May.

In addition to spending time with her family, Rainbow enjoyed ballroom dancing with Tony by her side and spending time out on the water down on Cape Cod and Florida where they cherished their time together. Rainbow also loved to volunteer, especially at Camp Cedar Hill - a Girl Scout camp in Waltham, where she was known by her camp name "Happy".

Rainbow leaves behind her children, Lorraine E. 'Lori' Arena of Waltham, Anthony J. Arena (Margaret) of Marlborough, Kathleen E. Hodge (Steve) of Wells, ME, Karen J. Hurley (Philip) of Billerica, Barbara J. Russo (Joseph) of Hudson, Alan A. Arena (Lizbeth) of Dennisport, Steven P. Arena (Patricia) of Walpole; her grandchildren, Dr. Eleanor Muise, Matthew Muise, Kellie Adams, Katie McNamara, Joseph Martin (Nicole), Samantha Lesniak (Michael), Christopher Arena, Stephanie Hodge, Nicholas Hodge (Christina), Derek Hurley, Kerri Cabral (Paul), Jennifer Russo, Bryan Russo, Jack Arena and Brooke Arena; her sister Norma Abbott of Florida and many great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. She was also the mother-in-law to Joseph Muise of Sudbury and Terrance McNamara of W. Yarmouth.

In addition to her husband, the late, Anthonino A. 'Tony' Arena, she is predeceased by her two daughters the late Cheryl A. Muise and Deborah L. McNamara. She was also predeceased by her grandson Michael McNamara as well as her siblings Donald Crane, Walter Crane, Alfred Crane, Edward Crane, Raymond Crane, Robert Crane, Audrey Bennett and Eleanor Smith.

Family and friends will honor and remember Rainbow's life by gathering for calling hours on Tuesday, May 9th from 4 to 7 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Route 20), Waltham and again at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.