Phyllis Sue Lorenz

Phyllis Sue Lorenz passed away peacefully; 2 months shy of her 100th birthday on May 18, 2025. She was a woman of profound faith and love for her family who gave generously of herself to those around her.

She was born in Milwaukee on July 30,1925 to Walter and Irene Ehrman. She met handsome Michael Lorenz at a USO dance. They married in 1946. They lived and raised 6 children in Cudahy, WI. Their home was a gathering place filled with good foods, heartfelt conversations, and laughter. There was always a fun card, chess, or board game going on in the Lorenz household as well as multiple pool parties.

Phyllis had a gift for sewing and made many of her daughter's clothes. She had a deep love of reading and would take the kids to the public library weekly to get a new stack of books. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for eight years. She also loved gardening, growing roses and vegetables. Canning the produce was a yearly event. She was famous for her raised doughnuts and making delicious desserts.

Her beloved husband passed in 1994. In 2001 Phyllis made a new chapter in her life, and moved to Temecula, California to be with family. She assisted with childcare, became a theatre usher, and vice president of the Temecula Garden club. She lived with her daughter Mary for 18 yrs, and the last 4 yrs with 24/7 caregiver assist along with 3 daughters rotating weekends to provide full time care post Mary's passing.

Above all, Phyllis was a woman of unwavering faith who loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her life was a testament to the power of love, trust and a personal relationship with God. She taught by example the importance of living with purpose, kindness, and devotion.

Phyllis is survived by her four daughters, Patrice Vecchio (Jim), Irene Fojtik (John), Colleen Smith (Tony), and Katie Patrick (Jeff), ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three step grandchildren. She was predeceased in death by her parents, beloved husband Michael Sr., her son, Michael Jr., daughter, Mary Simpson, and daughter-in-law, Susan Lorenz.

She was privileged to stay at home until she died with the excellent care she received for eight years from "her angel gifted to us from heaven", Rose Borja. She not only fed mom physically and kept her free from pain, but also spiritually, as they would repeat the 23rd Psalm, sing hymns, and watch Christian television shows together daily. Rose's large Philipino family and friends were also a blessing in her life. They treated her like she was their mom too. Rose has said "Phyllis was my forever lighthouse who I will deeply miss. We had many meaningful conversations filled with wisdom and faithfulness". Rose and mom would always say, "we are too blessed to be stressed".

The family is also so very appreciative of the love and attention that her other caregivers gave her. We are forever grateful to Stephanie Scott, Tammy Jenkins, and Mary Agular, as well as the special end-of-life care team from Hospice of the Valley.

In lieu of flowers, Phyllis's wish was to establish a fund to support Rose's My Lighthouse Elder Care Facility. A GoFundMe link is below if you'd like to donate to this very worthy cause. Thank you from the Lorenz family. https://gofund.me/833321ef