Lorna Theresa Heesacker Vandecoevering, 83 of Verboort, died April 3, 2026 at her home in Verboort surrounded by her family.

Lorna was born on August 7, 1942, in Portland, OR, the daughter of Ernest Francis and Agnes Elizabeth Spiering Heesacker. She was raised and received her education in Forest Grove attending Roy School (St. Francis) and graduating from Forest Grove High School.

She married Albert Vandecoevering on May 30, 1960, at St Anthony's Catholic Church in Forest Grove. They lived in Verboort and raised their family on the Vandecoevering Family Farm.

Lorna devoted herself to her family, yet throughout the years she held a range of different positions. She was employed at Poppios Family Restaurant in Forest Grove, delivered flowers for Kane Florist, drove bus for the Forest Grove School District, served as an administrative assistant in various departments at Washington County, and transported cars for Toyota throughout Oregon and Washington.

Lorna’s true passion and gift was sewing. She was as an extraordinary seamstress. She designed and crafted wedding dresses for her daughters and daughter-in-law, often using leftover fabric and lace to make christening gowns for her grandchildren. She assisted her grandchildren with their “First Communion” banners and created costumes for events such as the Visitation Christmas program, Visitation School’s “Saint for a Day,” and countless Halloweens. The Vandecoevering family was blessed to have her their “go to” seamstress, and there was frequently a stack of clothing by the door that she had finished mending—whether buttons, hems, zippers, or more.

Lorna’s talent was known throughout the community. She made bridesmaid dresses for numerous community members, tailored suits for a local realtor, created vestment garments for Visitation Church and designed and embossed logos for local companies. Her most famous client was Susan Raye from Hee Haw.

One of Lorna’s greatest joys was driving and taking road trips with her family. If she could find an excuse to drive somewhere, she was in the driver’s seat on her way. She enjoyed driving Albert to Eastern Oregon to catch up with family when they were bear hunting, venturing to local casinos to play the slots, traveling to Central Oregon to see her brother, exploring the Oregon Coast and more recently special trips with one of her granddaughters to the Tulip Festival and Round Barn.

Lorna acted as the family’s chauffeur, generously helping every member. Whether she was driving relatives to the airport or taking her grandchildren to medical appointments or school, Lorna never refused a request. She even served as chauffeur for the Holy Trinity: Sister Clare, Sister Agnes Marie, and Sister Anne.

Lorna loved spending time outdoors, whether she was gardening, tending to her flowers, or mowing her lawn. She also cherished relaxing outside with a book, as she was an avid reader.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Jean and Ted Walsh of Forest Grove; Janet and Greg Kirkland of Hillsboro; Kathy Duyck of North Plains; Joe and Dana Vandecoevering of Forest Grove; Carol and Dave Dersham of Roy; Myra Norman of Gaston; Lois and Thomas Bonin of Banks; Sharon Hughes of Hillsboro; and Chrissy and James Whyte of Oregon City. In addition, she leaves behind 32 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings: Joe Heesacker, Sister Elma Heesacker SSMO, Paul Heesacker, Martin Heesacker, and Jim Heesacker.

She is preceded in death by her parents and four sisters; Elaine Heesacker Stuck, Patricia Heesacker MacDonald, Annie Heesacker Campbell, and Ruth Heesacker.

The family requests that donations in her memory be directed to the Visitation Catholic School Tuition Assistance Fund.