Adele LORENZEN

Adele Lorenzen Thayer

Adele's 2011 Autobiography

High school was hard work and fun and a little different for me because Dad happened to be the principal. No, I wasn't just a little bit spoiled. Was I? I really miss my wonderful father. He died in 1989 from complications of hip surgery. He was so proud of Staples. My devoted Mom moved near us, and I cared for and nursed her for several years til her death in 1996.

After high school I spent two years at U.Conn., then changed gears starting a nursing education in Bridgeport, CT and graduated from Port Huron School of Nursing in Michigan. During that time I met my future husband George, a math teacher, administrator and athletic coach from Mich. We married in 1964. That makes 46 years so far! We had three sons, George III, Scott and Erik, and I stayed home to manage the "nest". All the boys were athletes, so attending all games and meets of football, basketball, wrestling, and track, etc. was our enjoyable but hectic existence.

Eventually, I began working full time (after a few short stints in the hospital newborn nursery) for the Macomb Intermediate School District in classrooms for the severely mentally impaired and autistic students. It was a 13 year challenge that made good use of my nursing knowledge. That work only emphasized the need for ongoing medical, scientific research, early intervention and schooling for the growing diverse autistic population.

My joy and hobby became singing with The Great Lakes Chorus of Sweet Adelines, four part acappella harmony, barbershop style.

Eighty women of all ages became my best friends. We presented local shows and traveled to large cities all over the USA, and a few countries, to compete in contests, share music and 'strut our stuff.' That joy lasted 27 years.

In 1994 husband George retired from 34 years at Chippewa Valley Schools in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, so I retired too. We immediately headed to Sarasota, Florida to take in the sun, beaches, GOLF, theater, restaurants and any number of activities. We remain in Sarasota for the winters and spend our summers at our small lake cottage in Michigan's Upper Penninsula where we entertain our eight (soon to be nine) grandchildren, sons and three terrific daughters-in-law. Life is good.

You know, there are always bumps in the road, but watching those grandchildren grow (we like to measure too) and emerge as individuals,(despite the water fights), is truly the most fun.

See you all very soon, 50 years- OMG!