Mathilda Martha “Til” Lorenz

On Thanksgiving evening, November 23, 2017, Mathilda Martha “Til” Lorenz, age 84, passed away peacefully. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving family.

Born in the Ridgewood section of New York City in 1933, Til was the sixth child born to Ellis Island immigrants Edward and Pauline (Preiss) Schirmer. A bright student, she excelled both academically and socially. In her high school yearbook Til was voted “Best Dancer.” Upon graduating, a teacher recommended her for a banking job which eventually led to work on Wall Street.

Life took a new direction one evening when a young man approached Til at the Flora Dora Club and requested a dance. Initially she resisted his charm, but fortunately he persisted. One of Til’s last statements was a wish that her grandchildren “find their true love, just as I did.” Ed and Til were married on May 26, 1956. Together they built a life on a foundation of love, faith, and service to others.

As a mother, Til took on the role of disciplinarian, as Ed was often traveling. She was also a Mom who had hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies waiting after school on cold, snowy days. Til loved to entertain. Her children recall grand Christmas parties every year, where they would lay on the upstairs landing and watch guests arrive in their holiday finest. In 1962, Ed and Til started vacationing in Avalon, New Jersey, eventually buying a home there. Til called it “the best investment we ever made.” It was a place for the family to gather and make life-long memories.

Til was remarkably talented, with a wide assortment of interests. She was a skillful decorator with an artist’s eye for design. She excelled at sewing, needle point, counted cross stitch, crocheting, baking, and cooking – anything she set her mind to. One summer she took all seven grandchildren to a store to select yarn and crocheted a personalized afghan for each by the end of the summer.

Til had an inimitable sense of humor. A family gathering rarely ended without one of her quintessential quips. She was notorious for making rules – then breaking them, leading the grandchildren in joyful chaos. She was always up for a round of cards, a board game, or a puzzle with family or friends. She was a shopper who delighted in finding that “perfect gift.”

A woman of deep faith, Til was always involved with her church and service projects. Most recently she was presented with a plaque for afghans made for the Linus Project. Of all her travels with Ed, she said her favorite trip was to the Holy Land. There, she said, “The Bible came to life for me!”

During retirement, Til and Ed moved to Maris Grove in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania where she enjoyed many clubs and activities shared with both new and old friends. She particularly enjoyed her card and poker groups, and the Coloring Club, which she started. Kind-hearted and generous, Til was dearly loved by family and friends. Her loss will be profoundly felt by all who knew her.

Til is survived by Ed, her devoted husband of more than 61 years; son Darryl (Kate) of Hockessin; daughter Karin Clark of Wilmington; daughter Erin Irwin of Winter Springs, Florida; grandchildren Chad, Pat, and Evan Lorenz; Danielle Clark; Casey, Brooke and Bridget Irwin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maris Grove Resident Care Fund or the Concordia Lutheran Church Family Ministry Fund.