She was born Nora Lorena Spencer on May 10, 1934 in Alhambra, CA to Ralph and Helen Spencer and was raised by her grandmother until her death. Adopted at age 13 by Donald O. and Dorothy A. Bircher of Glendale, CA, Loreen enjoyed a happy life with her chosen parents and their adopted daughter, Diane. A life filled with great school friends, music, ballet, trips to their family cabin at Big Bear Lake and lots of time spent at the beach. She truly was a Cali girl and loved the sunshine!
At 16 she met her soulmate, Edward A. Tolford in an ice cream shop while on a family vacation to WA State. They corresponded by mail while Ed served in the US Navy and were married just after her high school graduation on July 18, 1952. The couple celebrated over 65 wonderful years together before his passing in 2017. They are survived by their 2 daughters, Jenice A. Knechtel (husband Dwight, sons Jeff and Joel) and Jeanna L. Clausen [husband David, daughter Alisa Herrick (husband Dylan, son Kalan, daughter Sloan) and son John Clausen (wife Megan)]
She joined the North Seattle Junior Women’s Club in 1960, was active in its leadership and cited as Woman of the Year in 1964 for her charitable work. She also devoted time at her girl’s school and organized and led their Brownie troop. When her daughters were old enough, she worked at the local Hallmark card shop. Later on, she worked alongside Ed, helping him build his career in life insurance. Family camping trips and gatherings with best friends, clamming with her Long Beach, WA family and hosting holidays and special occasions for family and friends remained cherished memories throughout her life. In retirement they loved gardening, bird watching, and traveled the world together. They also became Snowbirds, and maintained a second home in Cathedral City, CA for when she’d had her fill of the rainy Pacific Northwest. Loreen was an avid reader and could usually be found in her comfy chair with a good book and her beloved dogs in her lap. She was truly blessed with a long, fulfilling life.
At Loreen’s request, the immediate family will hold a private service for the couple at Acacia Memorial Park, including military honors for Edward on July 16th
Inseparable in life, they will remain together throughout Eternity. May God grant them peace.
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