Mary Lorenz

Mary Bernadette Lorenz, 86, of Bettendorf, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026 at her home.

Mary Bernadette (Keogh) Lorenz answered to many different names during her rich lifetime, but whether she responded to Bernie, Bern-Dog, Sis, Mom, Gigi, or Granny, she did so with a dose of southern flavor and an abundant portion of love.

Bernadette shared that love with her twin sister, Bernadine (Schebler), from the day she was born in Bristol, Virginia on April 5, 1939, until her passing on March 23, 2026. The stories they told between the tears of sorrow and joy shed from Nashville, Tennessee to Davenport, Iowa have spanned not only miles, but generations. Often referred to as Thelma and Louise, Bernadine and Bernadette headed out on the road frequently as daring, young- at- heart widows well into their eighties. Whether driving unaccompanied to a Symphony Concert nearby or a Texas visit that piled up just a FEW more miles, the heartbeats of the twins were always in sync with one another, racing to the pulse of their next adventure.

Bernadette’s father, Bernard Joseph Keogh (Widnes, England), mother, Margaret Ann Mason (Viola, Tennessee) and sisters Margaret Rose (Bud) Gilmore and Ann Keogh (both of Nashville, Tennessee) preceded her in death. Sister Elizabeth Eileen Kieffer resides in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

Of course, Bernadette’s capacity to care was not limited to those within her early circle. After graduating high school from the Cathedral of Incarnation in 1957, she proudly earned her degree from St. Thomas School of Nursing in the same city of Nashville in 1960. Bernie’s calling expanded her reach, and among the most impactful ways she infused life into her community was through 30 years of service at the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.

And, while Bernadette’s work kept many systems pumping in the Mississippi Valley area, one heart was particularly strengthened by her graces. She married William Lorenz in 1961, creating a marriage that endured until his death in 2020. United, they supported not only each other, but their four busy children and their activities. Bernie was also the unofficial mom of Cub Scout Pack 43, Den 8 at Adams Elementary, and the Band Parents Organization of Davenport West High School, where she chaperoned trips to Florida, Washington D.C., and Hawaii- tasting some fresh fruit for a change instead of unpacking or delivering it!

The four official Lorenz kids- Kimberly Lorenz Goldsberry (Todd), Davenport, Iowa; Timothy Lorenz (Maninder), Bradenton, Florida; Steven Lorenz (Janet), San Antonio, Texas; and Jeff Lorenz (Julie), Johnston, Iowa all grew up in a house that welcomed friends and family to fill their nights, plates, glasses, and memories within the warmth of Bernie’s light.

As Bernadette’s years multiplied, so did her blessings. It did not take much to coax her smile. A morning with a crossword, a Tuesday night with Euchre, a steaming cup of coffee, a streaming game of college basketball , a good puzzle to solve on Wheel of Fortune, a good question to ask on Jeopardy...all lit up Bernie’s senses. But nothing truly compared to the bliss she experienced upon hearing the voices and choices of her grandchildren. Shane, Colin (Erin), Emily, Jack, Alyssa, Colby (Emily), Caitlin (Chris), Quinton (Reese), Danielle (Jordan), Benjamin (Lauren), Brady (Samantha), and Samuel (Leah) all unwrapped their individual gifts to share with her, and the bonus of great grandchildren offered another burst of energy to her life list.

Just as Bernadette spread her time and talent taking care of patients with the tender hands and nurturing words only a nurse can offer, other angels in the medical field spread their wings to embrace her own medical conditions. The entire family wishes to thank the Mercy One fourth floor staff and ICU team as well as the incredible Mercy One Genesis Hospice providers for transforming challenging times into moments blanketed in tranquility.

Mary Bernadette (Keogh) Lorenz was a daughter, a sister, a scholar, a wife, a mother, an aunt, a mother-in-law, a twin, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a nurse, a friend, a fan, a traveler, and a community treasure. She was also a devout member of the Catholic Church. Although she went to extreme lengths to attend mass in person, and went online when global pandemics, weather, time zones, and health prevented that experience, Bernie centered her faith on loving her neighbor. She lived in service to that belief, and each step she took forged a path worth following. Bernadette died peacefully, and those who were lucky enough to call her by any name know she will never be alone.

Mass of Christian Burial to honor her life will take place at St. Alphonsus Church in Davenport, Iowa on March 30, 2026. Visitation will occur from 11:30 am -1:30 pm, followed directly by the funeral. A burial will be conducted at Davenport Memorial Park, and afterwards we will celebrate one of Bernie’s final wishes- hosting everyone for a taco bar at the Knights of Columbus. Memorials may be made to St. Alphonsus Church or Mercy One Hospice as a way of extending Bernadette’s beautiful journey.