Lorenda Mata Vergara

Lorenda Mata Vergara, 87, of Venice, died Monday, August 26, 2013. She was born to the late Jovita and Vidal Mata, Nov. 3, 1925, in the Philippines. Lorenda came to the United States to complete her medical internship at Cleveland Clinic hospital. She met her husband Marcelino while interning at Cleveland Clinic and they married on September 18, 1954. Lorenda began her medical career as an internist. She had a private pediatric practice in Bedford, Ohio for several years before becoming the Medical Director for Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Hospital in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. She relocated to Southern California in 1977 where she became the Medical Director for Lanternman State Hospital. She retired in 1989 and consulted for a few years after. Lorenda was passionate about her work as a doctor making a difference in the lives of her patients and co-workers for over four decades. Her other passion in life was singing. She was a professionally-trained operatic performer and enjoyed sharing her talent with others. Lorenda is survived by her 92 year old husband, Marcelino; two children: Kenneth Vergara of North Olmsted, Ohio and Jocelyn Johnson of Venice, Florida. She also is survived by four grandchildren: Rachel, Chad and Hannah Vergara and Callie Johnson. Lorenda came from a family of 10 children and was the oldest. She is also survived by four sisters: Edith, Rosie, Mira and Loy. There will be a private family ceremony on Saturday, August 31st at The Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida. Service Information Date: Saturday, August 31, 2013 Time: 4:00 pm Farley Funeral Home - Venice Chapel Address: 265 Nokomis Avenue South Venice, FL 34285 941-488-2291 | Map