Lorna Lieberman

Lorna Stewart Lieberman (Laroe), of Leawood, Kansas (formally of Boxford, Massachusetts) passed peacefully on Thursday, December 16, 2021.  Lorna was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Charles Irwin Lieberman.  Lorna is survived by her three children and three step-children: Linda K. Bowden of KS, Benjamin W. Bowden of MA, Elizabeth D. Avenia (Bowden) of KS, Susan J. Obert (Lieberman) of CT, Andrew J. Lieberman of MA and Robert B. Lieberman of NJ; her four grandchildren: Whitney E. Asbury (Beauregard), Spencer D. Avenia, Kendall P. Avenia, all of KS, and Samantha E. Bowden of MA.  Additionally, she is survived by her siblings, Julia A. Robichau (Laroe) and Frank W. Laroe, both of MA.  Lorna also leaves behind two great-grandchildren: Carter and Logan Asbury.

Lorna was a graduate of Beverly High School and attended Smith College for two years as a member of the class of 1956.  Lorna was a true entrepreneur throughout her life.  One of her favorite pastimes was travelling around the Caribbean with Charles.  Her trips inspired her to start her first business in 1969, Island Fancy, a dress shop located in South Hamilton, MA, where she designed clothing from fabrics she found on her travels—if Project Runway had existed back then, she would have taken the prize!

After several years of running a successful shop, Lorna decided it was time to step-back from her business and spend more time with her children and family.  Also around this time, she began volunteering at The Wenham Museum, located in Wenham, MA, during school hours.  This lead to her lifelong passion of doll collecting.  Lorna went on to become the Doll Curator at The Wenham Museum and was also a member of the museum Board of Directors for many years.  Lorna was a member of The Doll Collectors of America, The United Federal of Doll Clubs, among others, and loved traveling to and speaking at numerous doll conventions over the years.

She developed a special connection with The National Museum of Toy and Miniatures, located in Kansas City, MO, and with its founder, Mary Harris Francis, dec.  She loved bringing her grandchildren to the museum on her many visits to Kansas City prior to her move.  Her beloved “Miss Mary” Izannah Walker doll was sold to the National Museum many years ago and remains in their collection today.

In 2014, Lorna and Charles moved to Leawood, KS to be closer to family. Lorna enjoyed her final years surrounded by her two daughters, three of her grandchildren and her two great grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed. Cheers to you Lorna, until we meet again.

Expressions of condolences may be made through a donation to The Wenham Museum located in Wenham, MA, The National Museum of Toy and Miniatures located in Kansas City, MO or the Hospice facility of your choice.

Private services will be held at the North Beverly Cemetery in MA, at a time to be determined in 2022.