Lorena Walker

ANN ARBOR – Lorena Walker, age 85, died August 11, 2011 at Huron Woods, a residential facility for memory loss patients on the campus of St. Joseph Mercy Health Systems in Ann Arbor. Lorena was born April 9, 1926 in Blissfield, the daughter of Joseph and Marietta (Spadafore) Nizzardi, Italian immigrants who came to America in 1917. Lorena graduated Blissfield High School, the valedictorian of her class. She attended Detroit Mercy School of Nursing, graduating in 1947. She worked as a staff nurse for a few years at Bixby Hospital in Adrian. In 1951, Lorena graduated from the University of Michigan with nurse anesthetist training. She married Ralph E. (Mike) Walker of Adrian on January 24, 1953. In her early years, Lorena and her surviving sister Louise Hines (Robert) endured many family tragedies; the death of their father, Joe, in 1933, their oldest brother, Andy, in 1934, another brother, Fred, in 1937, and brother Bill, who died in WWII in 1944. When able, Lorena helped her mother and Louise in the family confectionery store in Blissfield. The store closed in 1956. Lorena enjoyed a varied career as a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) while raising her daughters Martha and Michelle. Early in her career, she worked at Hillsdale Community Hospital. When Mike was transferred to Vincennes, Ill.. Lorena worked at hospitals in Mount Carmel, Ill. and Lawrenceville, Ill. The family moved to Adrian in 1965. At that time she began employment at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She continued to work occasional weekends at St. Joe’s even after accepting a position a few years later at Herrick Hospital in Tecumseh. At Herrick Hospital, Lorena soon achieved high respect from many doctors and nurses. There was many a night when Lorena wasn’t officially “on call,” but most willingly returned to work to provide anesthesia for emergency surgery. Lorena loved her work and was proud to be a CRNA. Lorena loved her family, her friends, and her work. She loved U of M football, the Detroit Tigers, the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, going to the Adrian Y and other exercise facilities in Adrian, eating out and shopping. She liked to be on the go. She also cooked wonderful meals for her family. When no longer working, Lorena discovered the benefit of exercise. She made many friends at the Adrian Y which helped her endure the death of her beloved husband, Mike, on January 12, 1991. Lorena exhibited strength of character, generosity and willingness to help others throughout her life. Lorena is survived by daughters Martha of Ann Arbor, Michelle Roofner (Tim) of Livonia; grandchildren Nicole Roofner of Farmington and Zachary Roofner of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by her sister Louise Hines (Robert) of Adrian, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Lorena’s family appreciates the support of the entire Hines family – Bob and Louise, Rob & Michelle of Adrian, Bill of Birmingham, Lisa Nuechterlein (Paul) of Grosse Pointe Woods, and Chris (Linda) of Birmingham. The family also wishes to thank the doctors who cared for Lorena at various points along her 11 year journey with Alzheimer’s. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Huron Woods Staff Development Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, YMCA of Lenawee County, or St. Joseph Mercy Hospice. The funeral service for Lorena will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 14, 2011, at Wagley Funeral Home with Father Tom Wasilewski presiding. Burial will be private. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. You may also send condolences to the family at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Lorena Walker

April 9, 1926 - August 11, 2011