Lenore Mary Mortemore

Lenore Mary Mortemore, a devoted educator, loving mother, and woman of deep faith, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in Sylvania, Ohio. Born on April 25, 1927, in Batavia, New York, Lenore’s life was a testament to steadfast spirit, boundless compassion, and an enduring commitment to learning.

From an early age, Lenore showed a remarkable dedication to education. She graduated from DeVilbiss High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in 1948 and Bachelor of Education in 1956. Pursuing her passion further, she obtained a Masters of Education in 1970 from The University of Toledo. Her love for teaching was matched by her determination to uplift others, reflected in her career as a Science Teacher at Whitmer High School and as a Medical Technologist at Riverside Hospital and Toledo Hospital. As a founding member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and a member of the international honor society Delta Kappa Gamma Fraternity, for women educators.

Lenore’s personality sparkled with creativity, generosity, and unwavering faith. Known for nurturing her children’s gifts and building a strong foundation for their success, she was compassionate and hardworking, qualities deeply admired by all who knew her. Her favorite scripture, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8), echoed her lifelong belief in God’s enduring strength and wisdom.

She cherished Christmas time, ensuring the true meaning of the season was never forgotten. The family found solace and joy in visits to Hidden Lake Gardens, a haven where they treasured nature’s beauty and peaceful moments together. Her creativity was showcased in her poems and being a published poet. Beautiful writings such her poem entitled "The Morning Prayer" embody her gift of poetry. Lenore’s love for art and drawing was a constant in her life, alongside her enjoyment of puzzles and word searches that kept her mind as sharp as her spirit.

Two pivotal moments shaped Lenore’s faith journey profoundly: becoming a born again Christian in 1995 and her transformative pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Raised in the Lutheran faith she attended Glenwood Lutheran Church, she later became an active member of Summit Church The Apostolics of Toledo, where she grew in her faith. Her greatest pride and joy were her four children, who also are born again of water and spirit and continue her legacy of faith and love.

Lenore’s family was her heart and home. She is survived by her beloved sons Jeffrey (Lynna) Mortemore and Derrick Mortemore; her cherished daughters Denise (Jeffrey) Disher and Janell (Christopher) LaCourse; and her treasured grandchildren Lance Pittman and Justin Mortemore. Her great-grandchildren Serena Pittman, along with great-grandsons Todd Pittman, Jeffrey Pittman, Lance Pittman Jr., Jordan Smith, and Carley Smith, and her great-great-grandson Augustus, continue to honor her memory. Her sister, Dian Kunde, also survives her, a constant source of love and connection.

Lenore was preceded in death by her parents Hans and Mary Carstensen; her brothers Albert, Walter, Harold, and John Carstensen; and her sister Mildred Alfred-Zomkowski and her previous spouse Donald Mortemore. Their memories live on in the stories and hearts of those who loved her.

Celebrations of Lenore’s life will begin with a visitation on March 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, West Sylvania, 3655 King Rd, Toledo, OH 43617. A viewing will follow on March 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, also at the Summit Church, 5701 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623, leading into her funeral service from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

Lenore Mary Mortemore leaves behind a legacy rich in faith, knowledge, and unconditional love. She touched countless lives through her teaching, her art, and her kind heart. Though she has departed this world, the imprint of her life’s work and spirit will endure—much like the eternal word she so deeply trusted. Resting now in the presence of The Lord, we hold her memory close, inspired by the beauty and strength she brought to all who knew her.