Born in Yoakum, Texas on Saturday, September 12, 1942 to the late Anton Emil Smolik, Jr. and the late Otilia Mozisek Smolik, Lorene is survived by her daughters Debra Benfer, Donna Douglas, and Rebecca McElroy-Dillmann; her grandchildren Caylor Matherne, Stefani Douglas, Lauren Douglas, Hunter Douglas, and Elyse Benfer; and four great-grandchildren Noah, Leila, Holden, and Holly. Lorene is also survived by her son-in-law Todd Dillmann, her sisters Marie Schumacher, Dorothy Nordloh, and Betty Boudreaux, and brother-in-law Robert “Butch” Boudreaux. Lorene was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Anton Smolik.
Lorene had a heart of gold, and a gracious and gentle soul. She cared for and respected all living beings, and had a deep love of animals. She leaves behind her dear pups, Buddy, Rebel, and Pill, and is now reunited with her darling Rufus. Lorene was a doting and devoted wife, who adored her precious R.J. She remained steadfast by his side through good times and bad, and held him in her arms as he took his last breath. She was a compassionate, softhearted mother, who raised her girls to be thoughtful, merciful, humble, and kind. She taught her daughters resourcefulness and creativity (often the one to repair the leaky faucet, and sew the beautiful dresses), to never be ashamed of the past, and to be proud of every accomplishment. Lorene was a woman of elegance, class, and grace. She rarely took for granted the fragility of life, and cherished every moment with thanks and praise. Her favorite things in life were the entire family gathered together for football on Sunday, Honey Buns and a hot pot of coffee, whistling with the birds in the backyard, a bag of popcorn and an icy-cold coke, funny movies, a bowl of butter pecan ice cream, walks with the dogs, Elvis Presley music 24/7, traveling to Tennessee or Vegas with her beloved husband, and soaking up the sun on a pretty day. She took pride in her job as a bookkeeper, beginning in 1986, until her retirement in 2010. Lorene was an avid bowler, receiving several 1st Place Trophies back in the 60s and 70s. She had a beautiful voice, and although shy at times, seldom turned down an invitation to sing a few of her favorites, Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue Bayou,” Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces,” and Elvis Presley’s “Love me Tender.”
Lorene will be buried Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand View Memorial Park Garden of Christus, located at 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505. A memorial will take place immediately following at Chuy’s on 3525 East Sam Houston Parkway S, Pasadena, TX 77505. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lorene’s life. Flowers and condolences may be offered at Grand View Memorial Park, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505; or donations may also be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX 77571.
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