Obituary of Erna Lorentz

On November 28, 2020 at St. Joseph's University Hospital Center in Paterson, NJ, Erna T. Lorentz passed away, succumbing to her illness. Erna was born in Brooklyn, New York the year of 1942. She was the daughter of Agnes Unger and Victor Knudsen. Erna spent her childhood in Brooklyn raised by her parents. In her early adulthood she met and fell in love with Wayne Lorentz. They were married in 1962. In 1968 Erna had her first child with Wayne, a daughter named Kristina. In 1971 Erna and Wayne were blessed with another child, a son they named Wayne. Erna and her husband eventually moved from Brooklyn to settle into a rural mountainside community in Vernon, NJ. Erna continued to work while raising her family. Crossing the Hudson for her daily commute she chose the career path of an Executive Assistant. She spoke fondly of her time employed at RKO Pictures. Erna's husband Wayne was struck with a medical emergency in 1998. In one of the hardest decisions of her life, she had to say goodbye to her life-long partner. Erna continued to work and provide support for her children until the conditions of her health forced her into retirement. In 2005 Erna moved into the Southern Palms retirement community in South Carolina. After several years of independence Erna's health needs required her to move back to New Jersey. She lived there with her daughter Kristina in-between her stays at medical care communities. Erna said one final goodbye to her daughter before passing away. Erna's impact and memory will be forever lasting. Erna knew how to laugh, and love and she had no difficulty making friends in any place she lived. Even when wheelchair bound Erna would make friends with woodland critters that would visit her window. From the Brooklyn streets to the South Carolina swamps Erna's life will continue on in all those who knew her. Erna imparted her dignity, independence and strength to all her progeny. She is survived by her daughter, her son, and three grandchildren. It was Erna's final wishes that memorial services are not lavish and her body cremated. A small service may be held once travel restrictions have lifted. Erna's remains will rest peacefully under the care of her daughter. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wayne Fist Aide Squad.