Mary Lorrene Halleck

Mary “Lorrene” Halleck passed away peacefully on the Winter Solstice this year. She was born on February 1, 1933, to Edward and Marie (Ureel) Bergmann in Camas, Washington.

Lorrene grew up embracing the simple joys of life in the Pacific Northwest. She worked alongside her parents and younger brother, Marvin, in the family tree farm and large vegetable garden, enjoying swims in the lake for fun. Lorrene worked in the local movie theater and paper mill to earn extra money. Twirling a homemade baton, she discovered a passion that shaped her young life and led to her becoming the majorette in her high school band.

Encouraged by a school counselor, Lorrene pursued higher education and became the first in her family to attend college. She studied Education at Western Washington University. While in college, she earned the honor of lead majorette for the university band and proudly performed in Portland’s Rose Parade. It was on the field that she caught the eye of the school football star, Maury Halleck. They fell in love and were married in the summer of 1955.

The newlyweds moved to Santa Barbara, settling first on the Mesa and later to the foothills of Santa Barbara. Lorrene taught elementary school at Franklin and Adams Elementary until becoming a mother in 1959. From that point on, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, supporting her husband throughout his coaching career at San Marcos High School and creating a loving and joyful home for her four children. Lorrene and Maury loved returning to the Pacific Northwest during the summers, spending time at Hood Canal shrimping and gathering oysters along the beach, while also enjoying visits with family and friends.

Lorrene was known for her selflessness and generosity to both her family and friends. No visitor ever left her home without a small gift, often homemade jam, cookies or fresh lemons. No one loved to laugh more than Lorrene, treating everyone to her contagious giggle.

Lorrene is survived by her four children—Brad (Denise) Halleck, Kevin (Laura) Halleck, Maurene (Sean) Donner, and Brian (Wendy) Halleck, along with 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Lorrene will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her generosity, warmth, and enduring love for her family.

Funeral services will be held on February 12 at San Roque Church at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, those that wish to honor Lorrene’s life we encourage you to donate to Santa Barbara Hospice as they were so kind, caring and loving of our mom. Donate at https://www.hospiceofsb.org/