Lorna Jones

Lorna Jones, artist, master gardener, lover of animals, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2023. She was 103 years old.

A McHenry County, Illinois resident for more than 50 years, Lorna was originally from New Zealand, where she was raised on a dairy farm. She attended Teacher’s Training College after high school, and upon graduating with her teaching degree she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in TePuke, New Zealand, where she rode her horse to school each day.

As a young teacher, Lorna corresponded with a family friend, Bruce Jones, throughout his five-year tenure overseas with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces in World War II. They married at the end of the war in 1945 and planned a move to the United States. Bruce obtained military transportation from New Zealand to the U.S., where he had a job waiting for him in the insurance industry. Lorna, meanwhile, traveled on a “war bride ship” halfway around the globe, coming through the Panama Canal and disembarking in New Orleans. She then traveled by train to New York City, where she met her new husband. Bruce’s job took them to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where they settled and had their first child.

They later moved with a silver Airstream trailer to the Jacksonville, Florida area, where two more children were born. This was followed by a move to Morristown, New Jersey, where a fourth child was born, and then to the suburbs of Toledo, Ohio. The family moved to Cary, Illinois in 1967, and to Wonder Lake, Illinois in 1976.

In the 1970’s Lorna went back to school and earned her associate’s degree at McHenry County College (MCC). She then had a long and fulfilling career in the graphic arts department at the College. While working at MCC, Lorna continued her studies, learning both French and Spanish, along with taking art classes. After retiring, Lorna honed her skills as an artist and master gardener, enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and remained a fabulous friend to all who knew her.

Lorna is survived by her four children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lorna’s name to Barb’s Precious Rescue and Adoption Center - https://www.barbsrescue.org/