Lorena Hussey

Lorena Scheeler Hussey, age 104, passed away at her daughter's home in Baton Rouge on March 10, 2021.

Born in Bay St. Louis, MS on April 28, 1916 to Regina Pucheu and William Scheeler, she was a lifelong resident of the MS Coast and a member of St. John Catholic Church since the age of four when her family moved from Bay St. Louis to Gulfport. She attended daily Mass and participated in multiple parish ministries into her middle 90s. In 2011, she was the recipient of the Lumen Christi medal presented by the Diocese of Biloxi for her contributions to her parish.

A graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School (later St. John's High) in 1934, Lorena valued a Catholic education, and made certain that her daughters attended 12 years of Catholic school. She did not have the opportunity to attend college but went to work at age 18 and saved enough money to buy her own house by her mid-twenties. In April 1942, Lorena married a young Army lieutenant, George Hussey, in Fort Sill, OK. When George was reassigned to Camp Shelby, MS, the newlyweds moved into Lorena's house in Gulfport. George, however, was medically discharged from the army in 1943. He later opened H & J Sporting Goods in Gulfport with a business partner, but tragically, they both perished in the Gulf of Mexico in February 1954. Nine months later, Lorena's beloved father died of cancer. A widow at 37 with two young children and a mother to care for, she dedicated her life to her family. She moved in with her mother and never remarried.

Lorena was secretary at St. John High School for five years, but loss the position when a new principal required a secretary with a college degree. She then worked at The Purple Lantern gift shop in Gulfport, where she became an invaluable employee, until she retired. Called Grandma Hussey by the Florida grandchildren and Nana by the Louisiana grandchildren, she cared deeply for them all. Her two oldest grandchildren spent many hours with her in Gulfport before they moved away. When Lorena retired, she took on the task of caring for her grandsons in Baton Rouge during the school year, returning to Gulfport every summer and school holiday. She loved children and they loved her. She became everyone's "Nana". After 20 years, she returned to Gulfport permanently and lived in her home until she was 102. When she was forced to leave and alternate stays with her daughters, she always missed her house, her friends, her church, and her front porch swing.

Lorena was blessed with many close family members and friends. In her younger days, she enjoyed singing in the church choir, dancing, and traveling. She loved attending the monthly Young at Heart luncheons at her church, going to Mardi Gras parades, and watching college sports and the Saints on TV. Because she outlived most of her friends, Lorena set out at age 96 to make a new set of friends by attending the Gulfport Senior Center where she enjoyed playing cards and doing ceramics until she was 102.
Always devoted to her faith, her family, and her friends, Lorena was selfless, resilient, and persevering with an inner strength that never failed. She had a sharp mind and a quick wit that made her unforgettable. Her secret desire was to be a TV political analyst; she would have been great.

Lorena was preceded in death by her husband, George Sanderford Hussey; parents, Regina Pucheu and William Scheeler (Wilma); brothers and sisters-in -law, William Scheeler(Wilma) and Roger Scheeler (Nell). She is survived by two daughters, Mary Sandra McQuaig of Vernon, FL and Nancy Elizabeth Proctor(Mike)of Baton Rouge, LA; four grandchildren, Kenneth (Christa)McQuaig of Panama City, FL, Edith Anne McQuaig Carlin (Cary) of Denham Springs, LA, Malinda McQuaig Stafford (Richard) of Vernon, FL, Michael Proctor(Sarah)of Baton Rouge and John Matthew Proctor(Jennifer) of Spring, TX, eight great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, three nieces and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lorena's memory to St. John Catholic Church, Gulfport, MS or a charity of your choice.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed at www.riemannfamily.com