Lorene Anne Gambill, age 103, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center in Grand Haven, Michigan. Lorene was born November 7, 1918, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Clarence and Hilda (Anderson) Isaacson. Lorene married Robert Gambill on November 2, 1938, and he preceded in 2011.
Lorene graduated Roosevelt High School in Ypsilanti. She worked as a real estate agent for Home Builders Realty, retiring in 1977. Lorene and Bob shared a love of music of the big band era and show tunes, which they often sang around the house and in the car. Lorene was a charter member of the Sweet Adeline’s and sang with them for many years in Hillsdale. She enjoyed outdoor activities including golfing with friend and summers on Big Pine Lake in Minnesota as a youth where an affection for fishing turning into a lifelong passion. It was enjoyed in adult years at their lake property with fishing trips over 20 years to the U.P with her husband. She loved to look for beach stones on the shores and later polish and turn them into jewelry. Lorene also had a passion for reading books, and later turned into an audio book listener. Lorene was a member of the Lady Elks and the American Legion and enjoyed supporting both. She helped start the Hillsdale PTA and later became PTA President of Bailey School. She also was a leader and council member of the Campfire Girls, where she loved to help girls gain self-esteem, learn leadership skills, life skills and community service. Lorene was a dedicated mother, homemaker, cook, and she kept a beautiful home for her children. She loved to admire her flowers in her garden and arrange them to enjoy inside the house as well. Lorene made sure her children were raised in the Church, and they got confirmed. She had fond memories of her Swedish Lutheran upbringing in Iowa and good times with relatives. Lorene held high expectations for her children and tried to help each find their strengths to make the most of their abilities. In later years, her mobility kept her confined much of the time, but she continued to take interested in others and loved sharing anything she could with those around her.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Burnett of Grand Haven, and Sara (Gerald) Haveman of Hopkins, Michigan; one son, John (Julia) Gambill of Hillsdale; three grandchildren, Katherine (Mitchell) Buikema of Grand Haven, Drew (Gayle) Gambill of Hillsdale and Amanda Gambill of Reading; and eight great-grandchildren, Olivia, Autumn, Gabrielle, Parker, Brahm, Soren, Alexa, and Arianna.
In addition to her husband, Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Clarice; two brothers, Robert and Kern; and her son-in-law, Douglas Burnett.
Funeral services for Lorene Gambill will be held Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 2:00 PM at VanHorn- Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale with Fr. Alan Crippen officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Private family interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Hillsdale.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of North Ottawa Community (1061 South Beacon Boulevard, Suite 200, Grand Haven, Michigan, 49417) or to a humane society of the donor’s choice.
