Lorna W. Greaves

     Lorna W. Greaves, 75, of Williamsport, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at the Gatehouse of Divine Providence Hospital.

     Born June 9, 1942, in South Africa. The family lived in Port Elizabeth, a coastal city. Lorna attended college in Grahamstown and started her career as a teacher in East London, South Africa. She later moved to Johannesburg. Before leaving South Africa, she was actively engaged in anti-apartheid activities in Johannesburg and Durban. In the mid-1960’s Lorna secured employment as a secretary to and International Women’s Organization, headquartered in Paris, France. She worked in Paris for a number of years. As part of her employment and for leisure, she traveled extensively in Europe.

     In 1969, Lorna moved to the United States of American to study at Antioch College in Ohio. She searched for an employment opportunity which would enable her to have an experience working in an all-Black or predominantly Black environment. After completing her studies, she moved to New York City and began working at St. Thomas Community School, an all-Black community owned and operated school on St. Nicholas Avenue at 117th Street in Harlem, New York. She worked there for almost 8 years running Enrichment and Remedial programs for all students.

     Lorna began working for Freedom from Hunger/Meals for Millions Foundation, and international non-profit agency, headquartered in New York City. She was the east coast assistant fund raising director. In 1983, at the time of her marriage to Harold Strom, the couple moved to Southbury, Connecticut. Lorna continued working for the Freedom from Hunger Foundation commuting between Connecticut and New York City. She became a United States Citizen in 1988. Lorna eventually began working for the state of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services. She worked for the state for 14 years, retiring from full time employment in 2003. In 2004, the couple moved to Williamsport. 

     Lorna showed artistic talent from a very early age, but never had an opportunity to explore her creativity. In 2001, she took a one day workshop in watercolor painting and since then pursued this "second" career. She was a self-taught artist and exhibited in Connecticut, Williamsport, and the surrounding areas. 

     Lorna had a love and passion for her beloved pets, in which she adopted many from shelters and puppy mills over the years. 

     In keeping with her wishes there will be no services and burial will be held in Montoursville Cemetery.

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