Farewell, Bestemor...

Signe Elise Voreland, 91, died Oct. 27, 2009, at Golden Living in Riverchase, Ala., with family by her side.

She was born June 10, 1918, in Årendal, Norway, a small village in the Southern part of the country, where she grew up, attended school and lived most of her early life. Mrs. Voreland was a spry, clever child who forged notes to avoid dentist visits and paid for candy on “credit,” long before credit was established. She was also a gymnast, a providential activity that eventually brought her together with her husband, Loralf Voreland.

In 1953, the adventurous couple followed the American Dream and immigrated to the United States with their three children. They lived in Elizabeth and West Milford, N.J. , where Mrs. Voreland was a homemaker and her husband a carpenter, and eventually moved to Clarks Summit, Pa.

Mrs. Voreland was a follower of Christ and member of Gulfview Grace Brethren Church in Port Richey, Fla. For many years she was also active in Prime Timers and Widow’s Might at Shades Mountain Independent Church in Hoover, Ala.

Her interests included family, music, cooking and reading. And while her recipes will be cherished and passed down to future generations, her collection of Dixie Gospel music may be retired, as her family didn’t appreciate it as much as she! Mrs. Voreland also voraciously followed politics and was more “in the know” about the goings-on in Washington than most. She was also known for her sensitive heart, her love for animals and her quick wit that remained sharp, even into her 90’s. She will most certainly be remembered for her great sense of humor… and for a strong, determined spirit that kept her active and independent for many unforgettable years.

Mrs. Voreland was preceded in death by her husband, Loralf Voreland, and her son, Roy Voreland. She is survived by her eldest son, Egil (Buddy) Voreland, and daughter-in-law, Lucille (Cookie) Voreland, of Port Richey, Fla.; and daughter, Britt Reoch, and son-in-law, Peter Reoch, of Hoover, Ala.; along with one grandson, two granddaughters and eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Mrs. Voreland had hoped to meet the newest member of the family, but, instead, she has met our heavenly Father face to face. For that, the family is eternally grateful.

A memorial service will be held at Gulfview Grace Brethren Church in Port Richey, Fla., at 3 PM on Sat., Oct. 31.