Born May 31,1927 died December 25,2020
Born Elvira Mae Svoboda to Clement and Sylvia Svoboda at San Antonio Hospital, in Upland CA. Raised on H Street, in Ontario, with her older brother, Clem Lou, and twin sister, Elmira Ann. “Vera” loved art as a child and was greatly encouraged by her mother, Sylvia. Always with her sister, Vera attended school, played at home, enjoyed developing her art talent, and won many “twin” contests.
Having graduated, in 1946, from Chaffey High, Vera went on to Pomona College graduating in Liberal Arts. She first taught in Trona, CA, then in Barstow, in the early 1950’s. There she volunteered at the USO (even with a broken ankle) helping in the kitchen. Fortunately, Pasqualino “Pat” Lorelli was making cookies one night at the USO and “Mae”, as she was now calling herself, began to help. This started a friendship that developed into a romance. After proposing 3 times, they were married on November 22, 1955. Blessed in 1960, ’64, and ’66 with their 3 wonderful children: Patrick Eugene, Rhonda Mae, and Nancy Diane. Mae taught at the local public schools from kindergarten to college. She continued to work on her own education receiving a Masters from Clairmont College and Otis Art institute. Raising their children included attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, faithfully and spending lots of summers with the Sea Serpent Swim team. Besides teaching and spending time in her “El Mae Studio” creating new pieces of art, Mae was an avid bowler.
Their children, in the course of time, married, adding to the family:
In 1979, Patrick married Charmaine and they eventually had 4 children (Sabrina, Janey, Maurie, and Desiree)
In 1984, Rhonda married Alan Gilbert and eventually had 4 children (Peter, Daniel, Matthew, and Abby)
In 1989, Nancy married Drake Yomogida and eventually had 3 children (Grace, Nathaniel, and Timothy)
Mae and Pat enjoyed traveling in their retirement years. Their most memorable adventure was their trip to Japan. Ever since they hosted Akiko Mori their “Japanese daughter”, they desired to visit her homeland. There they met Akiko’s parents and truly felt a close life-long bond to the Mori family.
Mae continued to teach art to students in her art studio. Also, she voluntarily taught literacy to adults at the Barstow Library and art at the Veteran’s Hospital in Barstow.
She continued to be active at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in SLI and other ministries with Pat.
In 1995, after Pat’s death, it was very difficult for Mae, although she rarely showed her struggles to others. She deeply missed Pat and found comfort during Sunday services at church.
In 2008 Mae’s first great-grandchild, Alexandria, was born to Maurie
In 2012, Peter married Laura
Mae spent a lot of time at each child’s home with the grandchildren.
Eventually in 2012, she moved to Stanton in order to live near one of her children.
She thoroughly enjoyed living at Rountree Gardens, a senior facility full of wonderful residence and staff for all levels of care.
While living in Orange County, Mae was able to attend church with Nancy and a weekly Bible study. These were very wonderful times for Mae. She was able to visit all of her grandchildren and see many of their special life events.
Mae’s relationship with God grew more these last years as she discovered how faithful God is to us as we seek him and lean on him. Mae changed more and more each day as she would be so concerned with the happenings of her children and grandchildren.
Even though Mae was taken from us quite unexpectedly, we all were at peace when she did take her last breath. A few days before her passing each child and grandchild had the opportunity to spend a few moments with her, while she was able to recognize each of us and speak lovingly to each individually. This was a precious gift from God to us and we are ever grateful to Him for that.
Until we meet Mom, Grandma, Mae in heaven, we will cherish all of the memories that make her who she was. We will thank God who made Elvira Mae Svoboda Lorelli such a unique and wonderful person and we are now living her legacy.
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