Retired kindergarten school teacher Jennie Lorine Hunsberger passed away on Jan. 12, 2010, at the Willows Assisted Living Facility in St. Joseph.

Lorine was born Sept. 22, 1909, in Paw Paw, the daughter of Thomas J.  and Mary Ellen (Seyler) Smith.

She graduated from Western State Teacher’s College on June 17, 1929, and moved to Dowagiac from Paw Paw that same year.

Lorine began her teaching career at Patrick Hamilton Elementary School in Dowagiac as a kindergarten teacher with her longtime friend and colleague Dorothy Lee Armin.
She retired from teaching in June of 1966.

She was a longtime member of Dowagiac First United Methodist Church.

Lorine was active with the Dowagiac Ladies Library Association.

She enjoyed seeing  retired friends at the retired teacher luncheons held at the Elks Lodge every month and  always carried a great concern for children and enjoyed being around all children.

She was united in marriage to DeVee J. Hunsberger on June 28, 1936, in Paw Paw.
Lorine is survived by: a great-nephew, Jim Fisher of Minnesota; a great-niece, Pam Wills of Indiana; and longtime caregiver, Bill Martin of Dowagiac.

She was preceded in death by her husband DeVee in 1984 and sisters Leila Smith, Irma Smith and Metta Fisher.

Her graveside memorial service will be held on May 12 at 1 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery led by the Rev. John Kasper.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving Lorine’s family.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Dowagiac District Library. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Lorine at www.yazel-clark.com.