November 3, 1953 – August 15, 2022
Lorene Haigler, age 68, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on August 15, 2022 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Born to Joe (deceased) and Trudy Cook, on November 3, 1953, Lorene was a precocious child with a quick wit and loving heart. As one of four kids, she quickly mastered the art of getting into trouble and charming her way out of it. Her days were spent with her siblings, Joe Cook Jr., Roxanne Crown, and Dave Cook and her partner in crime (best friend and cousin), Brenda Winter (deceased). Together, they would ride their bicycles around town, pulling pranks, and bringing laughter wherever they went.
Lorene began her career in the family-owned business, Grants Pass Realty. Upon graduation from Grants Pass High she transitioned into banking where she met some of her best friends to this day. She then moved into title and back to real estate before landing a long and successful career at First Community Credit Union (formerly SOFCU). She was a brilliant businesswoman, a driving force for big wins in lending for Josephine County, and beloved by her colleagues who could not get enough of her fun-loving and kind spirit (or her candy jar!).
Always the life of the party, Lorene’s home was the cornerstone for gatherings and celebrations. She loved to garden, travel, spend time at the river, take long drives with the window down – and most of all, spend time with her family. She was a loving mother to Brandie Haigler and Sherry Haigler, grandmother to Tayler Kincaid, Austin Mathias, Kara Mathias, Amelia Whelan, and Megan Whelan, and great grandmother to Bradley Mathias and Mallory Mathias. She taught her family how to love fiercely, laugh through the hard times, and live with integrity. She drew people into her light and brought them together.
Lorene’s contagious smile and the light she carried with her will always be remembered.
“Love you. Love you more. Not possible.”
The family will be holding a celebration of life on September 3rd at the Grants Pass Golf Club, 230 Espey Rd. Grants Pass, OR 97527 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, they request any donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
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