Lorene Sylvia Stephens Bernhardt

Lorene Sylvia Bernhardt Lorene succumbed to a woodstove fire in her home at the age of 87 on April 9th 2017. She was born to Frances (Wise) and Otto Stephens on December 29, 1929. Her childhood was spent mostly in Olympia where she graduated from Olympia High in 1948.

Off to college to earn her teacher's certificate she attended St. Martin's University and graduated from Western in 1951. Adventure took her to Montana and Alaska along the gravelly dirt road of the AL/CAN highway to pursue teaching jobs. While living in Haines, Alaska she met a handsome man named Robert Bernhardt in the same apartment complex. They married in 1955 and had 3 sons Steven, David of Tumwater and Anthony. All were mid-wifed in the territory of Alaska.

Robert passed in 1959. After her husband's death, Lorene moved her sons (who were all still in diapers) back to Olympia where she provided a positive presence for them. She persevered in her dedication as a mother. Every day began with a warm and enthusiastic "Rise and shine!". Lorene retired from South Bay Grade School in 1985 where she taught 2nd grade.

Her love of making crafts has made friends and family members in the community proud to own her beautiful crochet pieces.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents Frances and Otto, and two sons Stephen (1993) and Anthony (2013). Lorene is survived by her son David of Tumwater, lone sibling Urbun of Olympia, and lone grandson Brandon of Olympia and his wife Karissa.

A special thank you to Meals on Wheels, local area Fire Departments, and Lorene's nephew Doug Stephens and his wife Janine. There will be a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery on Saturday, May 6 at 1PM and a gathering to follow at Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen. "Following the storm, the birds will sing again."

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.