Newton Native Jean Lorenzen, First Woman to Work at Dragon Cement Plant, Dies at 87

The following obituary is from Hall Funeral Home of Thomaston:

On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, Jean Irving Heymer Lorenzen, 87, passed away peacefully at Quarry Hill in Camden, Maine. Jean was born on October 18, 1926 in Newton, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Irving and Marion (Craig) Heymer.

Jean grew up in Newton Highlands with her sister, Rachel. After graduating from Newton High School in 1944, she attended Boston University, where she earned an ABS in accounting. After graduating, Jean met Henry Lorenzen, and on June 26, 1946, they eloped to Elkton, Md. They made their first home in New Rochelle, N.Y., then lived in Newton Highlands, Mass. for seven years, before purchasing a farm in St. George, Me., in 1956, and moving their family there. In 1965, the family moved to Thomaston where they had a house on Knox Street. In 1966, Jean added to her job of raising four children, and went to work as the Executive Secretary, and first woman employee, at Dragon Cement Plant in Thomaston, where she worked until she retired. Jean was also Henry’s bookkeeper (and #1 advisor) all the while he ran his Gulf and Exxon businesses in Rockland, Me.

Upon retirement, Jean and Henry loved to spend time traveling anywhere east of the Mississippi, often spending time with family and friends, many of whom they took traveling with them. When at home in Thomaston, Jean and Henry enjoyed a daily swim at the Samoset, usually followed by a stop at Dave’s Restaurant or Dorman’s. Jean and Henry were active volunteers at the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the annual Rockland Lobster Festival. Jean also worked as a volunteer at the Rockland Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors of the Samoset Timeshare Association. She played cribbage and was an avid shopper, but most of all, she adored and loved her husband. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Henry Lorenzen, and her sister, Rachel A. Routledge.

Survivors include her children, Nancy Hatch and husband, Phillip, of Damariscotta, Me.; John Lorenzen and wife, Mary, of Farmingdale, Me.; James Lorenzen of Camden, Me.; and Barbara Dubia and husband, Brian, of Franklin, N.H.; grandchildren; James Lorenzen, Jr. and wife Sarah; Justin Lorenzen and Kevin Dubia; and two great grandchildren, Isabel and Madeline Lorenzen.

There will be a private family graveside remembrance later this summer.

If desired, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the MS Society of Maine, 74 Gray Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.

You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall's of Thomaston 78 Main Street, Thomaston, ME.