Lorena Shumar

Lorena Maruice Shumar, 90, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home with her daughter by her side on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Born on February 22, 1935, in Dog Creek, Kentucky, to Ewell and Vera (Bradley) Johnston, Lorena, one of fourteen, grew up on the family farm where she developed an unshakable work ethic, a deep love for helping others, and a love for ice cream. Even as a young girl, she dreamed beyond the boundaries of her rural upbringing, determined to make a difference in the lives of those she loved.

With a heart full of ambition and generosity, Lorena left the farm to pursue work, vowing to give back to her family. Her selflessness showed early on when she saved her first eight paychecks to purchase a dining room table and chairs for her parents, promising her mother, "This is just the beginning." And, indeed, it was. Throughout her life, Lorena gave boundlessly, not only to family and friends but also to strangers, always believing in the power of kindness. She was a passionate supporter of The Salvation Army and never hesitated to lend a helping hand where it was needed most. 

Lorena found immense joy in life's simple pleasures. She adored her soap operas, treasured time spent with family, loved working out, and, never turned down an opportunity to try a new restaurant. After years of caution due to health concerns, she was thrilled to celebrate her 90th birthday by dining out with her beloved daughter, Donna, savoring every moment (and every bite of biscuits and gravy) during their two-and-a-half-hour meal. In recent years, she surprised everyone with her newfound love for Taco Bell nachos and cheese, often teaming up with her son, Rick, to playfully convince Donna it was part of a balanced diet. 

Lorena cherished traditions, always bringing her family together through laughter and fun. She loved playing board games and made friendly competition out of Christmas Bingo every year. She most recently was taught how to play Trouble by her great grandsons, creating cherished memories. And when it came to meals, she had a knack for making the ordinary special—most notably convincing her family that Stouffer’s macaroni and cheese was homemade, a well-kept secret she carried with a mischievous smile for more than 30 years. 

Travel was another of Lorena’s great passions. Alongside Donna, she explored breathtaking destinations from the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore to the iconic sights of Paris, London, and Egypt. One of the most cherished adventures of her lifetime was a journey to the Holy Land, an experience she held close to her heart. 

A hardworking and dedicated woman, Lorena was the proud former owner of the La Ja 15 Cocktail Lounge. She later served in dietary services at Community Hospital, The Sheraton, and Lantern Road Elementary School. Her time at the elementary school brought her immense joy—she loved interacting with the children and often shared humorous stories from the cafeteria. Her kindness extended to her colleagues, making it a tradition to bake each staff member a birthday cake, ensuring they felt special on their day. She was a woman who cared deeply and lived fully, embodying warmth, resilience, and an ever-present sense of humor. 

Lorena attended St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church and lived her faith through her actions, always offering love and generosity to those around her. 

She is survived by her son, Rick Shumar, and daughter, Donna Shumar; three granddaughters, Brooke Huffman (Bryce), Shannon Hurley (Ryan), and Victoria Hittinger (Ryan); six great-grandchildren, Cameron Huffman, Landon Hurley, Cruze Hurley, Hudson Hurley, Davis Hurley, and Matthew Hittinger; and seven siblings, Odaline Clemens, Royce Johnston, Denise Sims, Judy Clemens, Wayland Johnston, Dwight Johnston (Brenda), Maryla White, and many cherished nieces and nephews. 

She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Archie James Shumar; her parents; and six siblings, Bernita Sims, Juanita Higdon, Wilfred Johnston, Freeman Johnston, Armond Johnston, and Georgetta Smith. 

Lorena’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She embraced every day as a gift, inspiring those around her to do the same. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:15 am on Monday, March 3, 2025, at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 11441 Hague Road in Fishers, with Rev. Thomas J. Haan officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00. Eulogy will be delivered at 11:00 prior to the beginning of the service at the church. Entombment will be at Calvery Cemetery in Indianapolis. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 6060 Castleway West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46250 (https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/indiana). 

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com