Lorene Burman

Lorene Burman, 92, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2020. She was born on March 20, 1928 in Portland, Oregon, the daughter of Wilhelm “Bill” and Berniece (Chase) Schmidt.

Lorene attended Reed College in Portland Oregon, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree on June 18, 1952. Following graduation, she was employed as a Crafts Director by the U.S. Army, running craft shops for Army troops on bases in France, Germany, and Japan. During and between her work assignments, she travelled extensively throughout Europe studying and photographing art and architecture. She was very proud to have obtained permission to travel behind the “iron curtain” during these travels. Lorene also attended art school in London England for a time.

It was during her employment with the U.S. Army that she met and married her husband of 33 years, Lt. Col. Charles H. Burman. Together they travelled the world, finally settling in Coopers Mills, Maine to raise their son. In Coopers Mills, Lorene worked as a bookbinder, calligrapher and artist. In 2001, Lorene moved to Orrington, Maine where she spent nearly 20 years living near her family. During this time, she continued to travel, including to Egypt and Uzbekistan. When we think of Lorene, we hope she is now free to travel Europe in her VW Karmann Ghia with the top down and the wind blowing in her hair.

Lorene is survived by her son, William Burman, his wife, Aleita, and their son, C. Henry; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, including a very special niece Dana Randol and nephew Bruce Benson. In addition to her parents, Lorene was predeceased by her husband, Lt. Col. Charles H. Burman, and her sister, Virginia Benson.

Interment will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta on December 02, 2020, with a small, private graveside service. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com, or sent to William Burman at P.O. Box 145, Orrington, ME 04474.