Beatrix K Lorenzen

Beatrix Kernan (“Bea”) Lorenzen, 107-1/2, daughter of Benjamin Wall Kernan and Alice Lange Kernan, died peacefully on March 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Bea lived a long and remarkable life defined by resilience, faith and a deep love for family and friends.

The fourth of five sisters, Bea experienced both joy and hardship early in life. Her father, a prominent New Orleans attorney, died in 1928 when she was just nine years old, shortly before the Great Depression. In 1941 she married Lucius Clayton Andrews. After his sudden passing in 1953 at the age of 41 while the family was living in Edgewood, MD, Bea returned to New Orleans and worked tirelessly to raise and support their four young children.

She remarried in 1965 to Julian Hall Lorenzen and lived happily with him on the Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis, MS until his death in 1986. They endured the ravages of Hurricane Camille in 1969, taking water to the ceiling of their house. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 completely destroyed her house and most of her belongings, causing her to flee to Henderson, NV to live for five years with her daughter, Patti Overman and son-in-law, Irv Overman. Throughout it all, she maintained a positive attitude, always making lemonade when given lemons. Bea moved with Patti and Irv to Plano, TX in 2010. She lived with her niece, Beth Manion Williamson, in Dallas for five years, building a loving relationship with Beth and her children. She then moved to The Conservatory of Plano where she thrived happily among many newfound friends for ten years. She lived her final year at Outlook at Windhaven Assisted Living in Plano.

Her faith was always strong. She exercised regularly, even when it was difficult. She was generous to a fault, finding pleasure in giving what she had. Her mind was sharp to the end, and her biggest problem, she said, was that she kept having to find younger friends. She confidently attributed her longevity to the Five F’s + 2: faith, family, friends, fitness and fun plus food and fine wine. She was a social butterfly who loved people and people loved her back. Her favorite time was happy hour with her friends. Bea’s passing leaves a hole in the lives of all whom she touched. She will be dearly missed.

Bea was deeply saddened at the loss of her daughter, Patti Overman, in 2023. She is survived by her daughter, Beni Gaiennie, her sons, Clay Andrews (Melissa Smith) and Robert Andrews (Laurie Andrews) and her stepdaughter, Susan Lorenzen Nolan (Bob Nolan). She is also survived by her son-in-law, Irv Overman, her grandchildren, Britt Overman Hemsell, Keri Overman Gartley (Brandon Gartley), Trey Gaiennie (Shari Gaiennie), Mimi Gaiennie Tudyk (Jeff Tudyk) and Katherine Gaiennie Page (Leighton Page), and her great-grandchildren, Cameron Hemsell, Gage Gartley, Drew Gaiennie, Hailey Tudyk, Tyler Tudyk, Zachary Page, and Natalie Page.

A celebration of life will be held at The Conservatory of Plano from 1-3pm on April 25, 2026. Inurnment will occur at her family tomb in New Orleans. Details to follow on a gathering in her honor in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Blood Cancer United, https://bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/ways-to-give

Bea lived a life rich in love, friendship, and faith. Her legacy continues in the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and her joyful spirit.