Obituary of Jeanette Gorham

Jeanette “Ria” Gorham, 91, of Woburn, passed away on Saturday evening, January 4, 2025.  She was the loving wife of the late Clifford L. Gorham who passed away in 2015.

Born in Medford and raised in Malden, she was the daughter of the late Douglas G., and the late Susan C. (Craik) Murray.  Ria’s parents came to the United States from Scotland in 1925, and she was very proud of her Scottish heritage.

Ria married her late husband Clifford at age 19, and they had been married for 63 years at the time of his passing. After graduating from Malden schools, her secretarial skills landed her a job at John Hancock in Boston.  She was later employed by Gerber Baby Products in Woburn; before going to work for, and eventually retiring from Tufts University.

Ria had a passion for animals, and took in many stray and homeless cats over the years.  She also loved the arts, and attending the theatre and museums.  She was also a big fan of Elvis Presley.

In 1972, Ria met her best friend Rose Eromin.  Over their long friendship, they spoke almost every day.  They enjoyed many trips with the Arlington Senior Center, going out to eat, and taking many excursions to Boston.

Ria is survived by one daughter, Susan Lonero and her husband James of Burlington; one grandson, Anthony Armstrong of Burlington; her niece Christine Raimondi of Palm Gardens, FL, nephew Wayne Pelton of Littleton; her dear friend Rose Eromin; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her late husband Clifford, Ria was preceded in death by her two brothers, the late Douglas, and the late Craik Murray.

Ria’s loving spirit and incredible kindness is her true legacy, and will be remembered in all whose lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd. (Cor. of Pleasant St.) Woburn on Friday, January 10 at 10:00 am, followed by burial at the Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ria’s memory may be made to the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130  (www.mspca.org)