In Memory

Lorna Kiech (Wallen) - Class Of 1955

Lorna Kiech (Wallen)

Lorna Kiech Wallen

July 14, 1937 - May 5, 2025

Lorna Kiech Wallen, our wonderful mother, wife to Richard 'Dick' Wallen, and grandmother to four adoring grandchildren, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. Born in Pasadena, she is survived by her daughters Lisa Wallen (Jeffrey) Honea and Leslie Wallen (T. Patrick) Long, and four grandchildren.

Lorna grew up in San Marino, the youngest of three girls. Lorna graduated from South Pasadena High School where she developed a love for education and service to others. During her teenage years, she was a member of the choir at Oneonta Congregational Church in South Pasadena. It was in the choir that she me the love of her life, Dick Wallen.

Lorna attended UCLA and was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was active in many clubs on campus as well as a dedicated football fan. After completing her education, Lorna spent the next eight years teaching fourth grade at El Centro Elementary School in South Pasadena, inspiring young minds with her passion for learning. One of her favorite projects was the California Missions Project. She and Dick drove to every mission so that she could be familiar with each one and share her knowledge with her students.

Beyond her career in education, Lorna was deeply involved in her community. She gave her time and energy to a variety of local organizations, including the Junior League of Pasadena, National Charity League, PEO, the Junior Philharmonic, San Marino PTSA and Luminares. Her commitment to volunteering and improving her community was unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives that she touched.

Lorna was also an avid tennis player, a sport she cherished for many years. She loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and family on the court. She could be found running errands about town in her tennis outfit with a smile on her face. She also rarely missed a UCLA football game with Dick. She loved packing a picnic and tailgating with friends at the Rose Bowl.

In addition to her many passions, Lorna adored spending time with her family. She was always cheering her girls on from the stands and never missed one of their athletic events. When her grandchildren were born, she continued to be on the sidelines for them. You could find her on the soccer fields, the volleyball courts, the football fields and up in the stadium for every baseball game for as long as she could.

Lorna treasured her summers on Balboa Island. She was happiest when her family was together on the beach or on a sunset cruise on the bay. She and Dick shared their love in their beautiful home on Sherwood Road in San Marino, as well as the Jonathan Club and Annandale Country Club. These were the places where she found joy in the company that she loved most.

Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, her parents, Clarence and Myrtle Kiech, and her oldest sister, Helen Kiech Cloud '46. Her other sister Marilyn Kiech Kirk '51 lives in Salem, Oregon. Lorna's legacy lives on through her family, her work, and the many people who were touched by her kindness, generosity, and positive energy.

Cabot & Sons, July 5, 2025