Lorene Ann (Bergman) Simpson, 81, of Carmel, passed away on February 3, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born on November 17, 1944, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Harold Applin and Esther (Doenges) Bergman and later adopted by Charles Bergman.
Lorene graduated from Tipton High School in 1962, where she played the bassoon in the band. She attended Methodist Hospital Nursing School and became a Registered Nurse in 1966. While finishing nursing school, she married her husband of over 60 years, Jim on November 27, 1965. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University Kokomo in 1992. She was a devoted member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel and was active in many activities including Friendship Saturday, SonRise Camp and Sewing for Missions (Quilting). Lorene took great joy in gifting her handmade quilts, blankets, placemats, and Christmas decorations.
Lorene had a genuine heart for caring for others and demonstrated that with a nursing career that spanned over 50 years. She served in all aspects of nursing with over 25 years in direct patient care at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo before becoming a nurse liaison for over 10 years at several rehabilitation hospitals. Her work reflected her steady, compassionate nature. Outside of her career, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking, and she loved playing cards with friends — especially Euchre and Uno. Her grandchildren carry many fond memories of Uno, Crazy 8, Old Maid and Go Fish. Above all Lorene valued time with her family and took great pride in caring for those she loved. In their retirement, Lorene and Jim enjoyed traveling. They were able to enjoy annual ‘snowbird’ trips to Florida, a cruise of the Panama Canal, trips to Hawaii, Alaska and anywhere else in the US where there was a fantastic quilt show that she could purchase even more material for future quilting projects.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her children, Barry (Connie) Simpson of Westfield and Lara (Troy) Ellis of Russiaville; ten siblings, Stewart Applin of Oakland, California, John Applin of Arundel, Maine, Harry (Anne) Applin of N. Waterboro, Maine, Michael (Melissa) Applin of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mary Beth (Cheri Alder) Applin of Folsom, Louisiana, Frank (Janet) Applin of Gladstone, Virginia, Edith (Jeff) Cutrer of Livingston, Louisiana, Kip (Anne) Bergman of Tipton, and Jill Bergman of Westfield; and five grandchildren, Julia Simpson (Abigail Barton), Michael Simpson, Elaine Simpson, A.J. Ellis, and Isabella Ellis. Lorene is also survived by a very special cousin, Pam (Phil) Eastman of St. Simon Island, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jimmy; and her brothers, Robert Applin and Peter Applin.
A Celebration of Lorene’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel (4850 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN 46033), with Pastor Scott Giger officiating. Visitors may call on the family at 10:00 AM prior to the service.
A special thanks for the care, love and support that Lorene and the family received from caregivers Kara Mason and Jennifer Galullo, Homewell Care Services, Legacy Hospice, and Keller Mortuary Services.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Lorene’s memory toward the establishment of an Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing Scholarship. Donations can be mailed to Indiana University Kokomo; Attn: Tara Scott; 2300 S. Washington St.; Kokomo, IN 46902. Donation cards/envelopes will also be available at the church.
This is so hard! We are unable to attend. Such good memories of a sweet, clever, lovely person. God bless you all
I’m so sorry to read of Lorene’s passing. She helped Dr Scherschel open his office in Kokomo Indiana and I worked with her there. She was pregnant with her second child during that time. Praying for peace and comfort for Jim and the family.
We are so sorry to hear of Lorene’s death. She was a true friend & was so supportive of us after our son , Ken died. Ron & I can’t travel to be at the memorial but know we are praying for you Jim, & all the family.
God bless.
Ron & Carol Kugley
For many years Lorene played a reliable & important role at “Friendship Saturdays” at Carmel by inviting small groups to serve us wonderful lunches the first Saturday of every month. She was so loving, kind & cheerful to all our friends. She has been missed since she was no longer able to join us. Praying for peace, comfort & strength for her family.
Past leaders of Friendship Saturdays,
Carole Halcomb
Janie Willenbrock
Sad to hear of Lorene’s passing. She was always there to greet us with open arms and a smile. She was a wonderful woman. Our condolences to Jim, Barry, Lara and all the family.
Tom and Sandy Cunningham.
Jim and family, I am not able to come today, but I wanted you to know that Lorene was one special lady. We enjoyed getting together in the neighborhood, and appreciated both Jim and Lorene. Bless all of you! I know what it is to lose your right hand person! You have my prayers! Susan Luttrell