Lorna Jeanne Ullstrom

Lorna Jeanne Ullstrom of Leavenworth, WA died peacefully surrounded by family on June 12, 2023. She was born September 27, 1923, in Eugene, Oregon. Lorna spent her childhood years in Myrtle Point, Oregon with her parents, Floyd and Helen Summers, and her younger brother Harry Summers. She married William (Bill) Ullstrom on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1943. Their first home was in Bremerton, WA where four of their six children were born. In 1952 they moved to a 10-acre farm outside Port Orchard, WA and added two more children to the family. The “farm” would continue to be her home for the next 50 years.

Lorna was devoted to her family and very proud of her children. She had a strong faith which got her through some very tough times. Family always came first. She gave each of us the love of books, reading, and music. Lorna had untiring patience with her six children. Her world got a little larger when she learned to drive in her late thirties. She was an avid quilter, a life-long learner and voracious reader. Her sense of community, love of local history, plus her sewing skills helped anyone and everyone needing it. She cared for her mother, Helen Summers, and mother-in-law, Mary Ullstrom, toward the last part of their lives. Nothing made her happier in her final years at Mountain Meadows than visits from family members. Her eyes would light up and we would reminisce about the millions of cookies and thousands of pies and loaves of bread she baked (no exaggeration). She shared stories of her childhood in southern Oregon and life on the farm. She often said, “We are strong people,” and she was.

Lorna and Bill were active members in the Musical Box Society International and traveled across the United States and Canada to attend meetings and promote the preservation of automated music from the 18th and 19th centuries. As exciting as this was, her heart was always at the “farm.” After Bill’s retirement from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, she kept the books for his music box repair business, volunteered at the Sidney Gallery in Port Orchard, and was an active member of Elim Lutheran Church until her move to Wenatchee where she transferred her membership to Faith Lutheran Church.

Lorna loved her children. She is survived by her children, Mary Elaine Pekich of Wenatchee, WA; Margaret Jeanne Neighbors of Leavenworth, WA; John Eric Ullstrom (JoAnn) of Woodinville, WA; and Richard Nels Ullstrom of Wenatchee, WA; her grandchildren, William Bergin of Leavenworth, WA; Erin Bergin of Wenatchee, WA; Elizabeth Martin (Dave) of Seattle, WA; Rachel Ullstrom of Seattle, WA; and Noah Ullstrom of Woodinville, WA; and her great grandchildren Rebecca Booth of Wenatchee, WA, and Aubrey Martin of Seattle, WA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ullstrom; her daughter, Barbara Ann Ullstrom; her son, James William Ullstrom; her parents; and her brother, Harry Summers.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped with the end-of-life necessities over her last few days including those at Confluence Health and Hospice. We are deeply grateful to all the staff at Mountain Meadows Assisted Living in Leavenworth, WA for their compassionate care over the last 10 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mountain Meadows Assisted Living, 320 Park Ave., Leavenworth, WA 98826; Confluence Health Home Health and Hospice, 731 N. Chelan Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801; or a charity of your choice. A private graveside service was held on Thursday June 22, 2023, at Sunset Lane Cemetery where Lorna was laid to rest beside Bill Ullstrom, her husband of nearly 60 years.