SORENSEN , Lorna Mere Ataahua
Cleveland Chapel, 179 Ingestre Street, Whanganui
Saturday 10th January 2026 at 11:00 AM
This service was streamed and will be avalible shortly
On Wednesday, 7th January 2026 aged 75 years. Much loved wife and sparring partner of the late Des. Dearly loved Mum of (The late) Lisa, Graham and Maria, and Layton and La Toya. A loving Nan to all her moko’s. A much loved sister, aunty, and friend.
Lorna is at her home with family.
A service to celebrate Lorna's life will be held in the Cleveland Chapel, 179 Ingestre Street, Wanganui, on Saturday, 10th of January 2026 at 11:00 am and will be live-streamed on www.clevelandfunerals.co.nz
Posted on
08 January 2026
Countdown to Live Stream
- days
- Hours
- Minutes
- Seconds
Chris & Peter How
So sorry to read that Lorna has passed. Such a beautiful sole.
Condolences to you all.
Arlene
My deepest condolences to the Sorenson whanau.. I loved bumping into Lorna... we always had the best and longest conversations. I really think that stores should have a lounge area and coffee available for those moments.. such a loving person... she will be sorely missed by all.. xxx
Tanya hughes
So sad to hear rest in peace beautiful lady
Jodie Arnott
I had the privilege of doing Lorna’s hair for many years and getting to know her along the way. She was such a kind, beautiful soul and will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Shannon Dryden
Gosh, this is such sad news. Sending love and strength to the whānau. Lorna's beautiful smile and laugh will be missed. Such a kind, loving wahine.
Tawhirangi Sullivan
Condolences to Lornas family I've known Lorna for many years full of fun and always there when you needed her...she will be sadly missed ❤️
Jenny Mancer
Deeply sorry to see this. Such a beautiful treasure.
Sending love to all. 😍
Michelle
Thank you my friend for the stories shared, laughs, road trips and lots of get togethers at the beach, I will cherish every memory I have ❤️ rest in lots of love
Michelle & Fish
Potaka Whanau
Ka aroha whanau, a beautiful mama and nanny who will be missed so dearly our hearts go out to you all at this sad time.
Trina & Charlie Edwards
A beautiful lady with a heart of gold. Condolences to Graham, Layton and whanaui🩷
Taiyana
Our heartfelt condolences to all the whanau. Aunty was a beautiful soul, so bright and bubbly and am so glad I got to catch up with her last year. You will be missed Aunty. Lots of love from Sjon, Tai, Kiernan and Shard
Sindy Hooper
Lorna was a beautiful soul, full of love and kindness and she was a truly special beach neighbour who we will miss dearly.
Our hearts are with her family at this very sad time.
Graeme Staite
Very sorry to read of the passing of Lorna, aka Mrs Desmond Tutu. A lovely lady with a heart of gold, the beach won’t be the same anymore. RIP
North Taranaki indoor bowls
On behalf of the bowling community of North Taranaki, always made us laugh and love the game.
Thoughts with her family
Warrick
My sincere condolences to Lorna's family. Lorna was one of the nicest women I have ever had the privilege of know . Lorna and Des did so much for my brother and I . We will miss you R.I.P Lorna
TM
An angel on earth and now in heaven. May she rest in peace. 💕
Paul Read
Very special lady , rest up Lorna , love from all of your extended whanau 💔
Ian flutey
So many good memories, Waitotara back in the day. A special person with a huge heart. One of the family. For me her legacy is to be kind.
Haami and Rae Karipa
We were so sorry to hear of Lorna's passing. We have many lovely memories of her and Des that we will treasure. I know Lorna will leave a huge hole in your family and this community. Our love to you all
John and Rae Wilson
A lovely gentle lady rest in peace Lorna
Rae Kenny
R.I.P Lorna, such a beautiful soul and loving lady. Say hi to Brendon for me, I'm sure he'll make you a cuppa.
Anne Flutey
A wonderful neighbor and friend for over 40 years. Will miss you so much. My deepest sympathy to the boys and family. R.I.P. Mrs. SS
Bev and Allan Magee
Condolences to all the family,RIP Lorna
Chrissy
A lady of kindness and heart of gold your wisdom through my journey will stay forever. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences to the family.
Shannon Karipa
Such a beautiful lady! What an honour it was to know you for so long, Lorna! A great neighbour, amazing member of the community and an all up wonderful person. Rest easy Lorna
Love from The Karipa's down the beach
Trish Anderson
Rest in peace Lorna. You were an honorary Flutey for many years. Sharing in our life events, always with your quiet strength, support and understanding. And a smile on your face. Your passing leaves a huge hole in so many lives. Deepest sympathy to the boys, their families and extended whanau. X
Wendy and Ross Boyd and family
Our love and sympathy to you all, Graham , Maria, Ben and Josh..
In our thoughts at this sad time. Wendy.Ross, Christy &.Greer. and family.
Debbie
RIP beautiful I enjoyed our chats when I bumped into you at the hospital first with Des then yourself 💜
Joanne Peacock
Kia au tō moe Aunty Lorna, hoki ki te taha o tō tupuna, tō tamaiti Lisa, ā, ki a Uncle Des. Aroha tino nui.
Sending condolences to Graham, Layton amd you whānau. Aunty Lorna was the heart and soul of Waitotara School and the local community. Such a kind and caring wahine with a gentle nature. You will be deeply missed.
Andrew carson
Rest in peace Mrs s I loved having u as a teacher aid at school and u always had your door open for my sister and I. u will be missed
Alan Hawken
Rest in peace Lorna, such a beautiful person. You will be greatly missed by many.
Clint and Pip Butler
We are very sorry for your loss. Lorna was a wonderful woman who touched our hearts and we will always remember her and the way she gave so much to others. Our thoughts are with you today xx
Kingi mcgregor
So sorry to hear that you have gone on your final voyage peace be with sorry I couldn't make it to the service my condolences the mediate family for your lost peace be with yous
Ann O'Hanlon
Lorna was a great bubble friend when we lived in Nukumara many many years ago. We did bump into each other a few years back in Wanganui. She was a lovely kind beautiful lady. Our condolences to Graham Layton and whanau. RIP sweet lady.
Kingi
Lovely soul to know rest in peace
Jenny Aplin (Hawken)
A beautiful service, Im sorry I couldn’t be there in person & really appreciate being able to view the livestream.
Aunty Lorna always made me feel special & I have such lovely memories of her from my time at Waitotara School.
Brutus Reweti Whanau
Condolences to the Sorenson Whanau. Sorry we couldn't be there today, thinking of you all at this sad time.
Many good memories of Lorna and Des. Much love to you all xxx
Lorna Sorensen
Kia Ora..My name is Bruce White. I was best mates with Des in Western Heights. I'm sorry I missed his funeral(online) I didn't know Lorna, but obviously she was a Woman of great Mana. I regret not staying in touch with Des and his family. I wish the Sorensen family the very best for the future. Yours respectfully....Bruce.
Sandy Lupton & Lisa
We were so sorry to hear about Lorna’s passing, such a lovely lady many special memories of her and her family when living in Waitotara. Our thoughts are with Lorna’s family and friends at this sad time.
Philip Kiff
So sorry to hear of Lorna's passing
A great friend of our family
Lorna you are now at peace and you
will meet up with your friend
Margaret for one last chat.
Carolyn Zimmerman
What a beautiful lady, that smile laugh and huge ❤️ heart. Now with her Des. Love to you boys we all so blessed to have your mum in our lives. Lorna made us all feel so special.
Caryll Powell
Rest easy and fly high you beautiful person xx
Jodie Phillips
💐 sorry to hear of mum's passing Graham Leighton and whanau she will never be forgotten such a beautiful soul ❤️ precious memories will live on.
Thank You! Your message has been sent for approval.
