Lorna Kierepka

Lorna Kay Kierepka, age 73, passed away October 9, 2018 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born October 21, 1944 in Edmore, Michigan; she was the eldest daughter of the late LaVon and Loren Baird and sister to Michael and Dana Baird. Lorna graduated from Lakeview High School in 1962 and received her Bachelors and Masters of Art in History from Western Michigan University. Lorna was a passionate educator; she spent her adult life as a high school teacher and retired as a professor at Western Michigan University in the engineering department. Her defining characteristic was her love for her family, especially to her children: late son Sean Vest and surviving children, Lauren "Nicole" Jenney (son-in-law Christopher Jenney) and Elizabeth "Liz" Kierepka. She married her loving husband, Robert "Bob" Kierepka, July 10, 1980 and enjoyed 38 years until her passing. Lorna was an avid reader, writer, and chef, all of which she showed both extraordinary talent and creativity. Bob and Lorna enjoyed their many vacations across the world, especially their European favorites like London and Paris. Her love for Europe encompassed art, history, and other cultural touchstones. At home, she enjoyed cheering on her favorite basketball and baseball teams with her family. She also was an avid master gardener and loved her cultural activities at the theatre, music concerts, and yoga. Lorna was an irreplaceable person, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Lorna leaves behind her husband, daughters, sister Dana, many cousins, and other extended family members. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Sean Vest and brother Michael Baird. Family and friends may visit Thursday, October 18, 6-8pm and Friday, October 19, 10-11am. Memorial service will be held Friday at 11am. All services at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3296 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Memorial donations may be made in Lorna's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.