Bessie R. Lorber

Bessie Reese Lorber was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was known for her energetic and social spirit. She passed away in her home on October 6, 2022, at the age of 91 surrounded by her children and loving aid, Leigh Ann Harkins Wren-Eller “Lu Lu.”

She was born to Harry and Hazel Reese in Baltimore on June 6, 1931. She worked at American Rolling Mill Company “ARMCO” Steele before getting married to the love of her life, Charles W. Lorber, “Buck” in 1953. She and Buck had two children: Charles William Jr.,“Buddy” and Bonnie.

Bess lived in Bel Air for forty-six years and loved taking care of her home, socializing with her friends and vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland. She especially enjoyed fashion, parties, and dances. After her husband Buck died in 1995, Bess took a job at Macy’s in Bel Air where she worked for two decades and was affectionately referred to as “Miss Macy’s before an injury caused her to retire at the age of 85.

Known for her quirky and comical perspectives, she is the focus of an Amazon best-selling book written by her daughter called, “The World According to Bess, a funny, unfiltered memoir of life lessons from my 90-year-old mother,” that features Bess’s anecdotal humor. She recently attended a book signing with her daughter and family in August at the Bel Air Barnes and Noble.

Bess had a few mantras that she often shared with young women, including, “Never depend on a man financially and get an education.”

In her later years, Bess was supported by her loving children and special caregivers whom they credit with providing immense love and maintaining their mom’s dignity. For that, they pay tribute to Leigh Ann, Emily, Sue, Amanda, Dana, and Jess, who hold a special place in their family’s heart for the genuine love and caring they gave Bess until her last day on earth.

Bess has four grandchildren – Brandon, Justin, Brooke, and Holly. She is survived by her brother, Ken, and by her children, Buddy and his wife, Robin, and Bonnie and her husband, John.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014, on Sunday October 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, where a Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Bel Air Memorial Gardens.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers or a donation to the Humane Society of Harford County are welcome.