Lorna Isabel (Johnson) Stilphen was born Dec. 5, 1931, on Orr’s Island, Maine, the daughter of Hugh and Maria Johnson. Lorna grew up with her friend and future husband, Gerald Stilphen. Lorna passed on April 26, 2026, at the age of 94.
Lorna started her education in a one-room schoolhouse on Orr’s Island. She worked summers to pay for the bus to get to Brunswick High School. Lorna then attended Gorham State Teachers College, graduating in 1954.
While Lorna was teaching, she married Gerald B. Stilphen (1932-2024). The two moved to Saugerties, New York, after Gerald was hired by IBM. Lorna worked there as a teacher and was also the town children’s librarian. After 45 years, Lorna and Gerald moved back to Orr’s Island.
Lorna is survived by her five children, Ruth, Susan, Marilyn, Phyllis and Gerald; and her four much-loved grandchildren, Jacob, Mariah, Thomas and Catherine.
Lorna was smart, friendly and fun. She loved teaching, reading, bird-watching, going to garage sales, watching “Jeopardy!” and PBS, and collecting paperweights. She also enjoyed playing bridge, dominoes, cribbage and Scrabble. Lorna instilled a love of reading in her children and grandchildren.
A memorial for Lorna is planned for July 25, 2026, at the Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.To offer condolences and share fond memories, please visit Lorna’s online memorial at brackettfh.com.
