06/21/2026
Lorene F. Abramczyk (Née Zetomer), 74, was surrounded by family and friends when she passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026. Her final week of life, she resided at Otterbein Senior Living in Perrysburg, Ohio after a courageous year long battle with Liver Cancer. Lorene’s care was provided by the loving and gentle staff of Otterbein and Care360 Hospice, who made sure she was not in pain and comfortable as she could be and could pass peacefully into the Heaven’s above. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude and affection to these two companies for making Lorene’s last few weeks peaceful.
Lorene lived her life as a light in this dark, difficult world and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations, never meeting a stranger. During her time here on earth, she made a point to always help anyone with whatever she could, never second-guessing her decision and giving even if it meant doing without herself. Anyone who knew Lorene, knows that her family meant everything to her and in her eyes, each of you reading this was “family.”
Her love of people was evident in the way she lived. From just sitting on the porch during a summer thunderstorm to people watching in a busy grocery store, or a boring and slow day at work turned into a fun time with those who were family, friends - who became family, and of course often food was involved, being Polish! Lorene loved cooking for her family and friends and was known to be quite a home gardener and canner. She had such an amazing ability to grow almost anything with patience and just the right amount of care.
The world will be different now without her shining light, without her walking up to anyone and everyone, just to have a conversation about simply anything and everything or nothing at all, but just to make someone laugh. She really was that pebble thrown into a lake as the lives she touched act as ripples that extend far beyond just those she touched personally, but often to their extended family.
In 2026 while undergoing physical therapy during her cancer journey, she often inspired others with her strong outlook and always being the one to push herself harder and harder in her therapy sessions. Her goal was to try and get stronger and eliminate the need for Rodney the Rollator, Wilbur the Wheelchair and Charlie the Cane. Prior to her failing health, Lorene enjoyed going to grocery stores, local farmer’s markets, practicing the craft of diamond art, reading books by Danielle Steele, was a long time crocheter, greatly enjoying bingo, and computer or in person card games of Pinochle, Canasta and Euchre. She loved scoring a deal, to her core and was phenomenal at playing the “How much can I get for how little” game at the grocery stores, she was an avid couponer, point saver and lived by the motto “Only shop the sales, dear”
With her outgoing personality she always enjoyed working with the public in a retail setting, being employed with 7-11 retail stores from 1971 to her retirement in approximately 2010. She worked all over the Toledo area in corporate and franchise stores, and even in the Metro Detroit area as well, often driving an hour one way to work in the middle of a snowstorm, when many others who lived closer would call off!
During the later months of her illness, Lorene enjoyed watching movies, television shows and documentaries. More than anything she loved her black and white dairy cows…... one of the last things this city slicker said out of the blue, prior to her passing was “I want to milk a cow!” with a clarity that was a surprise to those who surrounded her. Lorene had great affection for the many rescue dogs she cared for over her lifetime. One of her favorite things to do was feed her daughter’s horse strawberries and watermelon, but first he must permit her to rub his snip. She would sit and watch him for hours in the pasture. Now she gets to see him again in Heaven.
Lorene is predeceased by her parents Ivan Zetomer and Elanor Phillips. Her husband Dennis J. Abramczyk who passed in February 2024. She lost a large amount of her extended family (mom, dad, grandparents, great grandparents etc.) in their early years, and was told she wouldn’t live to be 45, guess she proved them wrong. Lorene is survived by her younger brother Harry (Carol) Zetomer, her children Rebecca (Mathew) Parker and Amy (Damon) Defusco with grandson Tyler Defusco. Lorene shared the last year of her life, with her boyfriend, Ted Keil. Lorene has also loved and been loved by many family members through marriage and by many incredible lifelong friends, who became lifelong family.
Lorene, we will cherish our memories of you forever. From laughing till we cried watching funny movies, to singing RESPECT by Aretha Franklin to Randy Ames, and Hot Blooded by Foreigner to customers in 7-11. Your willingness to always try various ethnic foods that you’d never had before, to trying new restaurants, delivering boxes of groceries via the “Ho Ho Man” to friends in need – these are the memories you gave us. These memories will keep a smile on our faces and a light in our hearts. In our dark times, you were always there to remind us of the strength we had within us to overcome any obstacle before us, the beauty that was all around us and that love conquered all. Special thanks to: Lighthouse Way Family Medicine – Dr. Hanna and your entire team, Otterbein Perrysburg – House #2 Staff and Management and Care360 Hospice – Angie, Brad, Missy, Maddy, Brianna and the many other people who provided care.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 25, 2026. 1pm to 3pm EST. Please RSVP by July 19th, so the family can ensure enough food is prepared. Location: St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1459 South St, Millbury, OH 43447. Dress casually.
