Lorna Amsbaugh, 83, of Grand Rapids, MI, formerly of Hillsdale passed away Nov. 23, 2017 well-supported by family and friends during a 7-year struggle with cancer.

She was born in 1934 to H.L. and Marjorie Lawson in Detroit, MI.

Lorna was in the Hillsdale High School Class of 1952 and graduated from Hillsdale College in 1958. In 1960 she began her teaching career for Jonesville Community Schools where she taught fifth grade for 32 years, retiring in 1992.

She felt her life was enriched and blessed by getting to know so many unique and wonderful students. Many of her students continued to stay in touch with her after their graduation and she valued those connections.

Lorna will also be remembered and recognized for her gardening skills. Her home on Bacon St. was full of amazing and unique plants. She found a great deal of enjoyment and solace tending her garden and the many animals she loved over the years. She supported many groups that advocated for animals and the environment, as well as those advocating for causes of justice and humanitarian issues.

Lorna was an active, longtime member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Hillsdale until 2016 when she moved to Grand Rapids to be closer to family.

She is survived by one sister, Ann (Robert) Weiss, three children, Dan (Michelle) Amsbaugh, Linda (Steve) Hess and Rina; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jessica) Amsbaugh, Kristin (Mike) Harris, Teddy Amsbaugh and Alicia, and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Ted Amsbaugh, sister Helen DeFranco, and nieces Sharri Towner and Cathy Carter.

A visitation will be held on December 9th, 2017 from 1-2pm with a memorial service at 2pm at Brookside Christian Reformed Church, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Condolences can be sent online at www.MemorialAlternatives.com. If considering sending flowers, please have them delivered directly to Brookside CRC. Those wishing to make a monetary expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Hillsdale County or the Leo and Martha Phillips Respite Care Fund at the Hillsdale Senior Center.