Della Jean Lorenz LeMay

Della ran into the loving arms of God on September 29th, 2026, surrounded with compassion and unwavering love from her family—just as she had always shown to us.

Born on January 30th, 1930, to William and Louise Lorenz, Della proudly attended the Lawrence Lake Country School. She spent more than 30 years caring for the residents of the Itasca County Nursing Home, a role she cherished and spoke of often with pride.

Della loved staying active and instilled many of her passions with her grandchildren; the outdoors, fishing, gardening, flowers, trips to the North Shore, camping and traveling to Arizona for the winter months. She was always busy baking or doing some craft that involvedher hands; knitting, embroidery, quilting, and especially crocheting. Her family will cherish her handmade hot pads for years to come—each one stitched with her love. Her favorite color was blue, a color as warm and calming as the presence she brought to our lives.

Della had a quick wit and a gift for bringing smiles to those around her. She lit up every room she entered, welcoming all with love, never judgment. Her kindness was steady, genuine, and effortless.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert McIlwain and Ken Lemay; her son, Wallace “Corky” McIlwain; sisters Hanna Zelman, Esther McIlwain, and Elsie Kackley; and brothers Louie, Harold, Harry, Floyd, Albert, and Bud Lorenz.

She is survived by her sons, Jack (Kathy) McIlwain, Gary McIlwain and daughter Barb McIlwain, stepchildren; Kenneth LeMay, Dennis LeMay, Karen Wainio and Konnie LeMay

She was a beloved grandmother to Carissa McIlwain, Stacie (Jeremy) Nelson, Juan McIlwain, Kyle (Kim) McIlwain, Bevin McIlwain, Paul Mattfield and Michelle Mattfield; and an extraordinary great‑grandmother to Emma Jo Sutherland, who brought her joy and, even in her final days, the brightest smile.

Her legacy is one of love, acceptance, and the gentle strength of a woman who cared deeply for the world around her.