Lorelle Mary Sondreaal

on July 6, 2026, with her beloved husband, Myron "Mike," by her side. Their hands remained

joined until the very end, a fitting close to a love story that spanned more than 71 years of

marriage.

Lorelle was born on December 4, 1932, at her family home to Laurence and Eleanor (Walsh)

Lamblez.

From an early age, Lorelle displayed an extraordinary gift for music. She played the organ,

piano, clarinet, saxophone, and guitar, and her exceptional talent earned her acceptance to the

prestigious Juilliard School of Music. Although the opportunity promised an exciting future,

Lorelle chose a different path—one centered on love, marriage, and family. It was a decision she

never regretted. Music remained one of her life's greatest joys, and she generously shared her gift

by accompanying her high school choir on piano and faithfully playing for her church

congregation for many years.

Lorelle met the love of her life, Myron "Mike" Sondreaal, at a bridge dance near Georgetown,

Minnesota. They were married in January 1955 and shared more than 71 years of marriage—a

remarkable partnership built on love, laughter, faith, and unwavering devotion. Early in their

marriage, they moved frequently as Mike's career with defense-related companies took them to

different communities before eventually settling in California.

Together they built a loving family, raising three children: Laurie Renae, Mitchell Evan, and Paul

Bennett Sondreaal.

Lorelle was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is lovingly remembered

by her daughter, Laurie (Gary) Usken, and their sons, Grant and Trevor (Vicki) Usken, parents of

Emerson and Olivia; her son Mitchell (Susan) Sondreaal; and her son Paul (Diane) Sondreaal,

along with Paul's son, Matthew (Cece), parents of Ava and Jacob; and Paul and Diane's children,

Kaitlyn (Randy) Bezanson, parents of Rydel and Bodie, and Andrew (Emily) Sondreaal.

She is also survived by her siblings, Gary Lamblez, Lynne Jacobson, and Brent Lamblez, along

with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Throughout her life, Lorelle embraced a variety of careers. She was especially proud of her time

working in the air traffic control tower at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. She also

worked at the Minneapolis VA Hospital, the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, the hospital in

Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and the Department of Motor Vehicles in Thousand Oaks, California.

Service to others was an important part of Lorelle's life. She generously volunteered through the

Mrs. Jaycees, her church, Sons of Norway, and the Poinsettia Painters Society. Her willingness to

help and her warm spirit touched many lives.

Lorelle was not only a gifted musician but also a talented artist. She found joy in painting, crossstitch,

embroidery, and tending beautiful flower gardens. She appreciated beauty in everyday life

and especially enjoyed antiquing and searching thrift stores for hidden treasures.

Mike often joked that Lorelle had three great passions in life: purses, baskets, and chairs. Those

who knew her well knew there was more than a little truth to his playful observation, and many

smile today thinking of the collections she so carefully gathered over the years.

Above all else, Lorelle will be remembered for the love she gave so freely to her family, her

unwavering faith, her creativity, and her generous heart. Whether she was seated at a piano,

tending flowers, creating art, volunteering in her community, or simply sharing stories with those

she loved, she made life richer for everyone around her.

Though her family grieves her loss, there is comfort in knowing that her final moments were

spent exactly where she wanted to be—with Mike, the love of her life, holding her hand. Their

extraordinary marriage was a testament to lifelong devotion, and the family takes comfort in

knowing that, after choosing him over every other path life offered, she left this world with him

beside her.

She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always loved.