Ronayne, Lucy A.

Lucy A. (Fama) Ronayne, daughter of the late Nunzio and Maria (Aberti) Fama, went peacefully home to God on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Lucy was born on December 13, 1927 — St. Lucy’ Day — and her life began and ended in Canton, just the way she would have wanted it. Lucy was a woman of warmth, love and faith, devoted to family, friends and community. She was quick witted and just loved life.

She attended St. John’s Elementary School and was a proud graduate of the Canton High School Class of 1945. Her class yearbook described “Lulu” as the most active girl in “45.” She was senior class secretary and was known for her good nature. wonderful disposition, and willingness to cooperate in all class activities. She was a cheerleader and loved field hockey. Though she did not pursue further formal education, she remained open to opportunities life presented to her.

During high school she worked for some time at the Plymouth Rubber Company in the parachute section, which made material for parachutes used by the troops in World War II. For several years, she was the friendly face that greeted and served the customers at Joe Cunningham’s Variety Store in Canton Center.

In 1951, Lucy married the late Joseph F, Ronayne Sr. As his beloved wife and best friend, they created a loving and stable home for their three children, Mary K. Ronayne Durgin of Newport, RI, Lucy Ann Ronayne of Canton, and the late Joseph F. Ronayne Jr. Family meant everything to Lucy; she gave them a wonderful foundation for their lives by her faith, love, strength, humor and practicality. In 2011, she suffered the profound loss of her youngest and only son Joseph, and she bore that tremendous loss with particular grace and strength.

Lucy was the sister of John A. Fama of Canton who survives her. She was predeceased by Santina Jazukevis (Artie), Francis (Flo), Virginia Gibson (Freddie), Joseph (Agnes), Sarah Longhi (Gerry), and Nunzio.

The Ronayne-Fama family brought Lucy many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, adding joy and love to her long and full life. The Ronayne-Fama Christmas parties, which were started by her and which continued for many years, were held at 6 May Street, Lucy’s home for 72 years. It proved a great way to get everyone together.

As a lifelong parishioner of St. Oscar Romero (St. John the Evangelist) Church, her strong, enduring faith was nurtured and became her guiding light. She always was willing to share her faith and best did this by the way she lived it. As a member of the Canton Catholic Women’s Club, she exemplified that faith through her desire to help and serve others.

As an active member of the Canton Garden Club, she contributed to the beautification of Canton. One of the opportunities of membership in the Garden Club that she really enjoyed was to be a volunteer at Norwood Hospital tending to flowers and bringing a warm smile and cheer to patients there.

Lucy was an avid Boston sports fan and was a member of the Bo Sox Club, which included many trips to spring training with her husband. One of her prized possessions was having her picture taken with Ted Williams. Her competitive spirit manifested itself by her longtime membership in the Ladies of Leisure Bowling League in Brockton and the Norwood Mixed League. She exceled in candlepin bowling, often achieving the honor of high score and high average. She only stopped bowling at the age 95 due to a rotator cuff injury. She also enjoyed traveling, playing cards weekly with “the girls,” and bingo.

Our family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the staff of Unit A at the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the love and care they extended to our mom.

A funeral Mass was held on Saturday, March 21, in St. Oscar Romero Church in Canton. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton.

Please consider making a donation in Lucy’s memory to: St. Oscar Romero Parish, 700 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021; St John’s School, 696 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021; or the Canton Veterans Association, 660 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021.

Arrangements by the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Apr 2 2026. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.