Lora Lou Looman, resident of Bend for over 60 years, died at St. Charles Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 92.
The former Lora Lou Burnett was born in La Grande in 1933 and spent her first years in a lumber camp, and then in Seneca. Eventually the family settled in Stanfield, where she graduated as valedictorian from Stanfield High School in 1951. In 1957, she achieved her stated high school goal of becoming “Mrs. VRB” when she married Virgil R. Britain of Pendleton, where the couple set up housekeeping. The marriage was blessed with first a son and then a daughter. The Britains moved to Bend in 1963, where Lora was a stay-at-home mother for many years. Lora re-entered the work force in 1975 after separating from her husband the previous year. Among other jobs, she worked briefly for the Bend School District, was a receptionist for a local dentist for several years, then a companion to an elderly local woman. After retiring, she volunteered in the Bend schools, working with elementary school students, helping them with reading; she enjoyed working with the children since her grandchildren were so far away. In 1995 she married her second husband, Mr. James Looman. He pre-deceased her in 2002.
Lora was a descendant of a Mayflower passenger and also descended from Oregon Trail pioneers. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She was also devoted to her church; she attended the First Presbyterian Church in Bend for many decades. She was a deacon, participated in many committees, and also sang in the choir for many years, among many other church-related activities. She was awarded with a pin for service by the Presbyterian Women.
Lora is survived by son, Jeff Britain of Baker City and daughter, Ceridwen Jane Attwood of Aberdeen, Wash.; grandchildren, Caitlin Attwood, Jamie Attwood, Colin Attwood, and Alex Britain, all of Aberdeen, Wash.; five great-grandchildren (and a sixth on the way) also of Aberdeen, Wash.; a sister, Phyllis Whittington (Joe) of Portland; a brother, Bill Burnett (Kathy) of Stanfield; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, William Earl “Mick” and Ruth Scott Burnett; a sister, Kay Martinez; her ex-husband (and lifelong friend), Virgil Britain; and her husband, James Looman.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield.
Please share memories of Lora with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
