Lynne Kathleen Wehrman

Lynne Kathleen Wehrman, 79, of Portland, Oregon, died on March 1st, 2024.

She was born in Hammond, Louisiana, in 1944 to Roger and Genevieve Wehrman. Lynne entered the Adrian Dominican order and remained a member for 14 years. She earned a Bachelors Degree in English and History from Sienna Heights College. Lynne taught elementary grades as well as high school. Later she served as Director of Religious Education for several Portland Catholic parishes.

Lynne is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ron Zaraza, her son Derek, his wife Jennifer Lanning, and their three children Claire, Dylan, and Nora. Also her three sisters, Kristine, Karen, and Gayle (Michael Verbrugge). Her three brothers, Mark, Gregory, and George pre-deceased her.

Lynne's memorial service will be on Saturday, March 16th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3910 SE 11th Ave, Portland at 10:30. A reception will follow. There will be a visitation at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt Scott Blvd., from 5:00 until 8:00 PM Friday, March 15th.

Donations in her name may be made two of her favorite charities, Mary'sPence.org and Feeding America.

EULOGY

-written by Ron Zaraza

Lynne and I were both teaching at Aquinas Dominican High School in Chicago. She was an Adrian Dominican nun. One morning she came in very early for her and asked if I'd have a cup of coffee with her in the cafeteria. We went downstairs, got a cup of coffee, and sat down facing each other. A couple of sips in, Lynne looked me right in the eye, and simply said “If you're interested, I'm available”. (there is a long backstory). That was 48 years ago.

Lynne had many wonderful qualities, and directness was certainly one of them. No ambiguities in what she thought, or in what she wanted to do. That served her and us well throughout her life.

Lynne also had the courage to persevere through many tragedies and difficulties. She had three brothers; George, Greg and Mark. Mark died before he was 4 of heart problems. Greg, 18, died in a car accident within days of their youngest sister's wedding. And George died of cancer at the age of 40. The loss of her siblings was terrible, but didn't make Lynne bitter.

Lynne had always wanted at least two children. After our son Derek was born, we tried again and again. Lynne's two miscarriages could have crushed her spirit, but it didn't. She had the strength to not only move past the trauma, but the patience to teach me exactly what impact miscarriages have on a woman. In doing so, she strengthened our bond.

During our 45 years of marriage, Lynne had 5 surgeries, any one of which could have brought her down. But they didn't. She also was my rock for my two major illnesses. When I had a heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery, she was kind, loving, gentle . . . and stern. She knew that making me start doing things for myself was essential for my emotional and physical recovery. Did I mention that she was also wise? My second health crisis was a much harder test for Lynne. I was hospitalized for 5 weeks with acute necrotic pancreatitis. In the ICU for two weeks, 12 days of that listed as critical, the most optimistic words Lynne heard from the team of doctors was “If he's not getting worse, he's getting better.” I can only imagine the pain and worry she experienced. Then she stood by and prodded me through a year long recovery.

Direct, courageous, and wise. But there was so much more to Lynne. If there are two words that will always capture Lynne for me, they are “joy” and “loving”. Lynne found joy not only on special occasions, but in everyday life. Walking with me in the Japanese garden, having dinner together, meeting new people or old friends, worshipping together, getting out in nature, simply talking with someone. Lynne lived a life full of joy.

She loved and was dedicated to the ideals of the Church, but had an even stronger love for people and nature. Walking downtown with her, rather than passing by a homeless person, she would stop and talk with them, recognizing them as a worthwhile individual. If there was food cart nearby, she would take them over and buy them a meal. She almost always started by asking their name. That taught me a lot about what really living Christian Charity was about.

We met in an inner city, all African American catholic high school. Her commitment to equality and respect was modeled every day in her interactions with the students. If there was anything she had no tolerance for, it was racism or any of the other -isms that showed disrespect or hatred for others. She had a deep commitment to equality for everyone.

And kids! There was never a toddler or baby she wouldn't flirt with, drawing smiles and giggles. One of the greatest joys of her life became the time we spent with our three grandchildren. Reading to them, playing with them, even changing them brought her profound pleasure. They were always in her thoughts. The love she showed was limitless and unconditional. She shared that love with me every day, in every way. But there was always enough love left over for others.