Trudy Sofie Lorance

01/09/2008

Lee - Trudy Sofie Lorance, 64, of 120 Orchard Street, died of cancer Wednesday at home. Born in Annapolis, Md., on Feb. 23, 1943, daughter of Sverre H. and Louise Kotleski Grinde, she grew up in Monterey, was a 1960 graduate of Mount Everett Regional High School, and later graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst with a bachelor's degree in biology and botany, where she was a member of the water ballet team. Mrs. Lorance was employed by St. Mary's School and Lee High School cafeterias for many years. She was also a crossing guard at St. Mary's. From 1964 to 1969, she taught biology at Lee High School. She had also been employed by K-Mart and Cumberland Farms in Great Barrington. She enjoyed reading, crosswords, designing stained glass, sewing, crocheting, knitting, gardening and nature walks. She and her husband, Bruce George Lorance, were married Oct. 11, 1970, at St. James' Church in Great Barrington. Besides her husband, she leaves three daughters, Heather Louise Ralph of Great Barrington, Faith Trudy Lorance of Norwood and Tracy Wojcik Martin of Lee; three sons, Gregory Bruce Lorance of Shrewsbury, and Terry George Lorance and Ryan Sverre Lorance, both at home; a brother, Erick Richard Grinde of Montpelier, Vt.; and three grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Trudy Grinde Lorance, who died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, will be conducted Monday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church in Lee by the Rev. Charles VanAusdall, pastor of First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. She leaves her three grandchildren, Zachary Lorance, and Laurel and Miranda Ralph; two sons-in-law, David Ralph and Carl Cummings; and a sister-in-law, Prudie Grinde. Trudy was always very proud of being a part of the UMASS water ballet team. It was very important to Trudy to always be close to her children, so she chose jobs to be around them. She was her children's biggest fan. She was also "Mom" for all the kids in the Saint Mary's Royal Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Trudy enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She especially loved watching her children perform with the Spartans, Crossmen and Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. In addition to her children, all of her animals received her unconditional love. She also enjoyed long drives on the pontoon boat, traveling to Florida with her husband, and their two kitties.

Obituaries

Celebrating Lives & Legacies

Trudy Sofie Lorance

Memorials

Trudy, I miss you terribly. You were my friend. I miss our talks, your comforting words, your unconditional love and kindness. I miss your sense of humor. I miss having that one constant in my life.. without you I feel lost. I try to live my life to make you proud. I strive to be a better mom, daughter, sister and friend just as you were to me. I am thankful to have had you in my life, as you have forever altered the person I was into the better woman that I am. I love you and miss you. Love forever and always, Tracy
from: Tracy	on: 06-28-2010

The best mom any child could ever wish for! I love you mom and I miss you so much! Life just isn't the same without you. Greg
from: Greg	on: 08-31-2008