Obituary of Loretta Denise Prentice

Loretta Prentice, age 87, passed away at home in Farmington Hills, Michigan on December 23, 2023.  Lori was born on December 9, 1936 in Saginaw to the late Harry and Martha Hanson.

Lori was one of six children, having 3 brothers and 2 sisters.  She grew up in the small community of Bridgeport, Michigan and talked fondly about working on the family farm.  Lori was the second youngest child.  Since there was a substantial age difference between her next older brother and her younger sister, she was expected to be the “right-hand man” of her father as he worked the farm.  This role was particularly important since her father lost his right arm in a work accident before Lori was born.  Mom told many stories about life on the farm: tending milk cows, feeding chickens, working in the garden, and holding the occasional nail for her father to hammer left-handed.

With the assistance and encouragement from her Saginaw High School guidance counselor, Lori received a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan School of Nursing.   Attending a one-room schoolhouse with only three other students in her class allowed Lori to skip several grades.  When she packed her suitcase and headed off to college, she was only sixteen.

Ater graduation, Lori started her life adventure: marriage, travel following her husband’s military career, starting a family, and an eventual return to Ann Arbor.  Over the course of her working career, Lori did many things.  She taught fifth grade, was a camp cook and nurse, trained to be a Great Lakes Ore Boat Officer, and was a home health care nurse.  Her children, Roy and David, and her grandchildren were central to her life, though she always made time for an adventure with friends.  Throughout her life journey she maintained a love of nature and beautiful wild places, a kindness to others, and a wonderful sense of humor and adventure.  She was always up for a trip to somewhere remote and exotic and didn’t mind toting a backpack to get there.

In the last years of her life, Lori moved back to Bridgeport so that he could be near her sisters Carol and Sue.  She made new friends, was active in bowling and golf, and rekindled affections for her high school sweetheart.  Living just a few miles from where she was born was comfortable and gave her lots of support and friendship.  Lori is survived by her children, Roy and David; grandchildren, Minnette, Sam, Gavin, and Ian; great-grandchild, Ruby; and a wide circle of friends.  Lori loved backpacking with friends and family.  Isle Royale was one of her special places.  In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association.  To sign online guestbook, visit  www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with Cremation Society

 

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