Lorene Ann Friend

Lorene Ann (Olsovsky) Friend was born January 31, 1939, in Prague, Oklahoma to Frank and Anna (Heinzig) Olsovsky. Angels took her to heaven on August 26, 2024.

She grew up in Prague, OK and graduated from Prague High School in 1957 where she was a member of the cheer and basketball team. While in High School she met the love of her life, Jesse “Poppy” Friend, who she married June 1st, 1957. They lived their 60 years of marriage in Shawnee, OK where they raised their 2 children, Gary Friend and Terri (Friend) Robinson.

Their home away from home was at their lake house on Lake Eufaula. They spent their retired life at the lake fishing on the pontoon with their most prized possessions, their 6 granddaughters: Jessica, Brandy, Anna, Ashley, Marie, and Casey.

Some of the granddaughters’ favorite memories are her always having gum, playing Trouble on a game so old we could barely see the dice, making hot pad holders, hiding notes everywhere, playing in her wedding dress and night gowns, picnics in the park, field trips, fashion shows, going to the movies (sneaking in candy), going skating, honking under bridges, making root beer floats with Poppy, countless golf cart rides, teaching them to drive, and supporting them in every step of their lives.

She was a lover of dogs; she was always accompanied by her adorable poodles, Goober, Layne, and Cricket.

Her love of smiley-faces, her colorful vocabulary, and her goofy soul are just some of the qualities that made her our most favorite human. She truly did sparkle with happiness.

Lorene is proceeded in death by her mother and father, Frank and Anna (Heinzig) Olsovsky, husband, Jesse Arlin Friend, brother-in-law, L.M. Potter, and nephews Doug Potter and Danny Sparks.

She is survived by her son, Gary Friend and wife Bonnie, daughter, Terri Robinson, granddaughters, Jessica Buchanan and husband Jason, Brandy Swinford and husband Shawn, Anna James, Ashley McCaul and husband Keith, Marie Roberts and husband Casey, Casey Robinson, and by her sister, Joy Potter. She is also survived by her 17 great-grandchildren: Emma, Jakob, Haley, Michael, Harley, Halle, Haelynn, Travis, Eric, Riley, Madi, Keegan, Erin, Oli, Adi, Arlie, and Austin. Great-great granddaughters Zella and Luxx, nephew Michael Potter and nieces Jackie Brooks and Kathy Sparks.

Before passing Lorene was asked what her favorite memory was. Her response was the day she married her soulmate. The marriage of Jesse and Lorene was like no other, the laughs they shared and the memories they created will continue as they reunite in heaven. They are the purest example of true love.

The family would like to thank everyone who stopped by, sent cards, brought food, prayed or just loved Lorene and a special thank you to Luminos Hospice, especially to Sherry and Ashley, both who have a true calling in life to help others. In lieu of flowers, Lorene requested donations go towards the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), or a church of your choice (she doesn’t want Terri to have to take care of the flowers).