Lenore Wilson

Lenore Wilson

September 26, 1931 - September 27, 2017

Lenore Wilson

September 26, 1931 - September 27, 2017

Obituary

Lenore Wilson, exemplary school teacher, wife, mother of three, and grandmother of nine, passed away September 27 at 1:50 a.m., the day after her 86th birthday.

Lenore Ruth Brenda was born in Bad Axe, MI in 1931, to Frederick and Elizabeth Brenda, who had immigrated from Germany (Elizabeth via Brazil). Lenore was the ninth of ten children. The family moved to the Central Valley of California after the Second World War.

She married Lewis Wilson in 1953. They served as Christian missionaries under the auspices of the Assemblies of God in South Africa for five years, from 1957 to 1962. They took with them their first-born son, Lewis; Elizabeth and Michael were born in Africa.

Returning to the United States, Lenore was the primary bread-winner while Lewis earned his Ph.D. In history at UC Berkeley. The family moved to Costa Mesa in Orange County in 1967, where Lewis joined the faculty at Southern California College (Vanguard University).

Lenore earned her teaching credential from SCC/Vanguard in 1969, and taught in Fountain Valley schools. She gained a reputation for reaching the more challenging students, and eventually was honored as the district’s Teacher of the Year. After retiring in 1993 she supervised teacher candidates in Vanguard’s credential program. She enjoyed book clubs, taking care of her grandchildren, gardening, and painting. She was known for her love of children, her wit, and her Martha Stewart-like hospitality, and class.

She died peacefully in her sleep, succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease after a happy and fruitful life.

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2 responses to Lenore Wilson

  1. Mrs. Wilson was my teacher from 4th thru 8th grade. (1980-1984) at Harper Elementary in FV. She was the best teacher I have ever had and one of the most inspirational and influential people I have ever met. She was warm, sweet and made learning fun. But what I remember most about her were the detailed stories she would tell us about her time spent in South Africa with her family. She really opened our eyes to the racial apartheid in South Africa that she witnessed. We discussed the civil rights movement. I remember her playing MLK’s “I have a dream” speech for us and how it brought tears to her eyes. She was the first person to teach me about equal rights and that all people were created equal. She was so supportive of all of us. I was a shy kid and being in her class gave me the confidence to volunteer to read for the lead in our class play, I got the part. She also was an amazing artist and had us make some very fun and interesting projects. I still remember the city scape chalk piece we did, I loved it. I have thought about her often and was wanting to connect with her. Tonight I looked up her name once again and found that she had passed a few months ago. I’m sad I didn’t get to tell her how much she meant to me and for being an awesome role model! God bless you Mrs. Wilson, my beloved teacher!

    With Love and Prayers,
    Linda Brackley

  2. Susan Nishi says:

    I am currently an 8th grade math teacher and was reflecting back on my own 8th grade year. I remember having Mrs Wilson as my teacher in 7th and 8th grade. She was loving, but also kept us in line. I was a tomboy and I remember showing up to graduation all dolled up. She hugged me and told me I was beautiful. She was always so nice to my mother, who was also teacher and passed way from alzheimer’s last year. May she forever rest in peace and I am regretful that I didn’t get to say thank you to her in person one last time.

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