Lorraine Cecelia Nadler (neé Majerus) died peacefully at her home in Corona del Mar, California on Monday, September 6. She was surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers, peacefully joining her husband of fifty years Michael D. Nadler .
Lori was raised in Minnesota, and came to California in 1958. Before she married in 1969, Lori was a dietician and teacher. In partnership with Mike, she became a businesswoman and entrepreneur, a fitness and health advocate, world traveller, and philanthropist. She was a beloved aunt to 12 nieces and nephews, and many grand nieces and nephews.
Lori was born in Bellechester, Minnesota to Isadora and Clarence Majerus. The eldest of four girls, she led the way for her three sisters, two of whom followed her to California. She graduated in 1946 from St. Felix High School in Wabasha, Minnesota, and in 1953 from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul with a degree in home economics and sociology. St. Kate's was a focus of Lori’s philanthropy, volunteering on many significant fundraising initiatives. She served on the Board of Trustees from 1997–2007, and established the Lorraine Majerus Nadler Southern California Endowed Scholarship fund, which continues to support the education of young women from California.
After moving to California, Lori obtained a Masters in Education from California State University, Long Beach, and taught in junior and senior high schools in Los Angeles. Lori met her husband Mike in 1963 through the Westwood Ski Club in Los Angeles; they married in 1969. The two enjoyed traveling the world together for many decades, skiing and playing tennis in far-flung places.
In the early 1970s Mike’s job took them to Newport Beach, California, ultimately settling in Corona del Mar in 1976. They were close enough to walk to the Pacific Ocean, which they did weekly, meeting with friends to have brunch at Coco’s on PCH. Lori soon launched a small business out of her home called Cecelia, that manufactured women’s sportswear. She owned the business for several decades.
Mike and Lori travelled the world together, visiting locations such as Russia, China, New Zealand, Norway, and, of course, skiing in the European Alps, Canada, and the US. Lori was generous to both her family and larger community. Nieces and nephews who visited California were treated to great conversation, meals, and trips to the ‘84 Olympics, the Pasadena Rose Parade, and the Balboa Bay Christmas light parade. Lori was an active volunteer and donor to several local arts groups, including being a founding member of the Center Stars at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Irvine, California. Lori is survived by two sisters, Adelaide ‘Addy’ Edwards of Los Angeles, California and Margaret Trondson, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews. Lori was preceded in death by her husband Michael D. Nadler, her parents Clarence and Isadora Majerus, and her sister Bernice ‘Bunnie’ Powers.
Lori requested that donations in her memory be made to the Lorraine Majerus Nadler Southern California Scholarship at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels, 2100 Mar Vista Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 followed by a reception. All are welcome.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the Nadler family.
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