Obituary of Lorna Kaier

Lorna M Kaier died April 3, 2023 at the age of 99.  She was born in Oneida, NY on October 13, 1924 to Frank and Nellie Hayes Kaier. She grew up in Rome, NY. After graduating from the Academy of the Holy Names, she entered St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing, where she earned her RN.  She later earned a BSN from Utica University and a Masters degree in education from SUNY Oswego.

Lorna began her nursing career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Rome Hospital.  She was delighted and proud to assist in the delivery of some of her nieces and nephews.  Later, she worked for many years for Isadore Kaplan, DDS and assisted in the dental treatment of some of those same nieces and nephews.  Eventually, she found her calling as a teacher and established the LPN program at BOCES, where she was remembered as a patient and thorough instructor to those entering her profession.

Lorna was adventurous in her own quiet way.  She made several European tours and shared her pictures and mementos with her family.  She was the family photographer for much of her life and leaves behind a treasure trove of slides documenting family life from the 50s to today. Her interest in geneaology led her to trace various family lines back into the 18 century. In mid-life, Lorna developed an interest in flying and earned her private pilots license. She became the part owner of a small plane and joined the Ninety-Nines, an association for women pilots.  She later served as Treasurer of the organization.

After retirement, Lorna became the loving full time caregiver to her mother, Nellie, who lived until she was 98. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at St Mary's Church until a fall left her without the use of her arm.  Lorna was a much loved part of every family party, often contributing her Chicken Can-Can Casserole, to the delight of all.   Her laughter at the slapstick humor of Christmas Vacation is the stuff of family legend. She will be remembered often and with love.

Lorna was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Robert and Ronald, her beloved  sister in law, Rosemary Kaier and her nephew Kevin Kaier.  She is survived by the nieces and nephews she regarded as almost her own children: Bob (Jeri) Kaier; Tim (Dale) Kaier; Rita (Larry) Riolo; Suzanne (Ken) Tuttle; Mary Ellen (Anthony Tangredi); JoanE (Mark) Karnisky; Bernard (Sue) Kaier; and Carol (Jim) Prescott and their numerous children and grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister in law Geraldine Kaier and niece and nephew Stephanie Dewitt and Michael Kaier, all of Delaware.

 Memorial donations may be directed to St Peter's Church, Rome, NY.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 9 am at St Peter's Church, Rome, NY. Arrangements Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Memorial donations may be directed to St Peter's Church, Rome, NY.