Merna Llorens

October 4th, 1939 - March 17th, 2021

Merna's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Merna here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Remembering 3rd grade at St. Basil's, I took comfort in sitting at my desk in the dark before class. Then Merna would come in and turn on the lights. It was a jolt I very much disliked. I would cringe and sometimes even close my eyes until I heard the click, then slowly open my eyes to ease into the moment. In those days I preferred stasis over evolution, and dark over light (and probably all caps block print over cursive). Well, Merna wasn't going to give me those things. Clearly it's not who she was. Thanks, Merna, for opening doors, turning on lights and helping me on my way.

Eric Antrim

I have pleasant memories of working with Merna in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Benton Harbor St. Joseph Alumnae Chapter. She was always an encouraging voice and made me feel welcome in the Chapter in my early years there. I remember her sincere dedication to the Sisterhood and diligent support to the Chapter programs. Over the past few years due to health problem she has attended fewer activities. I have missed her presence.

My sincere condolences and prayers for the Llorens family!!!

Patricia Brown-May

Mrs Llorens !!! Ohhh how I will remember all the memories and fun times you and your family blessed me with ! From having you as my elementary music teacher to growing a relationship with you and you teaching me so many things one specifically on how to conduct myself as a lady ❤️ I always looked forward to attending the Benton Harbor pageant with you every year, you or Mr. Llorens would pick me and lamora up and take us to dinner and the pageant. These will always be some of my best memories growing up as a kid. Mrs. Llorens you have taught me so much that I will remember for the rest of my lifetime. I love you and I thank you so very much. May your kind hearted soul Rest In Peace.
Makiah Martin

Makiah Martin

Dear Mr. Llorens, Regina, Ramon and all of Merna's family,
I am so sorry to hear about Merna's passing, but what a lovely tribute that you wrote for her, Ramon! I didn't have Merna as a teacher at St. Basil's, but I remember her as such a lovely lady and even though I had moved from South Haven over 45 years ago, she was always one of the people I looked forward to seeing at church when I came home to visit. Thank you for sharing her with the St. Basil community and all of the other organizations who were blessed to know her! Our lives are better for having known Merna. Beverly Sherman Edwards, Louisville, KY

Beverly Sherman Edwards

Ray, It saddened me to read about Merna's passing. My memories of her enthusiasm for life, her love of education, her sense of fairness and her fantastic "Minnie Pearl" imitation -- wearing the unique hat and greeting everyone with "Howdeee!", are indelible. I enjoyed seeing you and Merna together at Senior Services. You both lit up the room with your joy. You were blessed the day you married Merna. How wonderful that you were together for so many years. May your beautiful memories of Merna and her many "hats" be a source of comfort to you. With love, Sandra