Elinor Claire Hansen Lorona was born March 1, 1934 in Shreveport, LA. Raised by her father, Raymond J. Hansen who was in the United States Air Force and step mother Barbara H. Hansen, they moved extensively throughout her childhood to other duty assignments. While stationed at Keesler Air Force Base and attending Gulf Park College where she earned her Associates in Art degree she met the love of her life, Manuel Lorona, who was stationed there. After marrying and living abroad for a few years, he retired from the military and the family settled in Biloxi, MS.
Mrs. Ellen, as most knew her, was a dedicated 35 year civil servant at Keesler AFB working at the printing plant, civilian payroll office and finishing her career as a training technician at the 403rd wing Air Force Reserve Command. After retirement she enjoyed gardening, home decorating and escorting her golf loving husband to out of town tournaments where she would dine and shop with the other wives. She loved traveling nationally and internationally with her husband, daughters, grandchildren and family.
She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond J. Hansen; mother, Alice Hansen; step mother, Barbara H. Hansen and beloved husband of 63 years, Manuel Lorona. She is survived by her daughters Sharon Trippe and Karen Lorona (Raymond Ellis, Jr.); grandchildren Taylor Bertrand, Jeremy Trippe and Raymond Ellis, III and her loyal beagle, Bailey.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Kare in Home Hospice, her nurses Tracy Ladner and Taylor Bishop; nurse aide Sheila Jones and especially her devoted caregiver Joann Burdine.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Art in Mind Alzheimer's program of Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, P.O. Box 248, Biloxi, MS 39533.
Services are provided by the Howard Ave. Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home with visitation at 12:00 on Friday, January 29th, funeral service at 1:00. Interment will be at the Biloxi National Cemetery, Monday, February 1st, 11:00.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lorona family.