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 lived a life marked by generosity, compassion, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Lenore graduated from DeVilbiss High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in 1948 and Bachelor of Education in 1956 at the University of Toledo. She later received her Master of Education in 1970 from the University of Toledo and completed her coursework for a PhD until her studies were cut short by an automobile accident.

She dedicated many years to teaching science at Whitmer High School and also worked as a medical technologist at Riverside and Toledo Hospitals. She was a founding member of Zeta Tau Alpha University of Toledo Chapter and was a member of the international honor society Delta Kappa Gamma for women educators.

She was involved in Cherish the Children, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and gave generously to many organizations for veterans and children.

Known for her creativity, generosity, and unwavering faith, Lenore nurtured the gifts of her children and built a strong foundation for their lives. She found joy in writing poetry, drawing, and solving puzzles, and she was a published poet. Her poem, “The Morning Prayer,” reflects her deep spirituality and love of expression. 

She was a Patriot, Historian and an Avid Photographer. 

She especially cherished the Christmas season and treasured time spent with family at Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Michigan.

Lenore’s faith was central to her life. Raised in the Lutheran tradition, she attended Glenwood Lutheran Church before later becoming an active member of Summit Church The Apostolics of Toledo. Two pivotal moments in her faith journey were her decision to become a born-again Christian in 1995 and her pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Lynna) Mortemore and Derrick Mortemore; her daughters, Denise (Jeffrey) Disher and Janell (Christopher) LaCourse; her grandchildren, Lance Pittman and Justin Mortemore; and her great-grandchildren Serena Pittman, Todd Pittman, Jeffrey Pittman, Lance Pittman Jr., Jordan Buchert, and Carley Bowlin; as well as her great-great-grandson, Augustus Fernandes. She is also survived by her sister, Dian Kunde.

Lenore was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Mary Carstensen; her brothers, Albert, Walter, Harold, and John Carstensen; her sister, Mildred Allred-Zomkowski; and her former husband, Donald Mortemore.

Visitation will be held on March 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home West Sylvania, 3655 King Road Toledo, Ohio 43617. A viewing will take place on March 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Summit Church The Apostolics of Toledo 5701 W. Sylvania Ave Toledo, Ohio 43623, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Lenore leaves behind a legacy of faith, learning, and love. She touched countless lives through her teaching, her creativity, and her kindness, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.