Lorena Nancy Sanders Lawson
ARLEE — Lorena Nancy Sanders Lawson was born on March 15, 1944, to Clyde and Adeline Sanders. She graduated from Arlee High School and later attended the Modern Business School and University of Montana for a brief time.
In July 1963 she married Michael Lawson and they were blessed with four daughters. Michael and Lorena divorced in 1979.
Lorena began working in February 1975 for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as a receptionist and later advanced to the short-term loan manager, then personnel director, internal auditor and contract and grants manager. Lorena also worked for Salish Kootenai College. In September 2012 she retired due to failing health.
Lorena stated to many that her daughters and grandchildren inspired her life. The most important things in her life were her family’s health, happiness, and financial security. Her daughters jokingly referred to her as “Super Mom.”
Survivors include her daughters Monica Sue (Donald) Pierce, Pamela (Steve) McDonald, Renee (Jason) Joachim, Kimberly (Amos Colman) Lawson; sister Virginia Hunter; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a very special companion, Ed Ivanoff.
At her request, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held.
