We Remember
McALEESE, Lori
—
Lori passed away June 17, 2019 in Kelowna at the age of 62. Lori was born in Vancouver and went to school there, earning a degree in Microbiology from UBC. Her education led to a job in the quality control department at Dairyland, and later at Foremost Foods, where she worked to ensure their highest standards were met. She became a mother to two sons during this time.
In August of 1990, she, her husband and children moved to the Glenrosa area of Westbank and remained there for 9 years. It was here that she took a serious interest in breeding and raising small animals, and she would join the Okanagan Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association (ORCBA). Over the years, she entered many of her cavies (more commonly known as guinea pigs) in various competitions, winning numerous show ribbons for her efforts. During this time, she worked for CARO Environmental, performing testing and quality control in their water lab.
The family moved across the lake to Kelowna in August of 1999, where she saw her sons established in new schools. She left CARO and began working part-time at Okanagan University College. OUC became UBC Okanagan and she was one of the original employees, starting in the biology department as an animal care technician and finishing as a Lab Tech 5. At the university, she was in charge of the greenhouse and saltwater tanks, among a multitude of other responsibilities she was proud to make her own.
As a lifelong animal lover, she was a strong supporter of the Kelowna SPCA and their work with animals in need.
As another hobby, she spent much of her time tending to her garden, growing both flowers and vegetables. Her family benefitted greatly by always having fresh greens and tomatoes throughout the summer and fall.
Baking was another of her many skills, and she would craft family favourites every Sunday such as pumpkin pie and apple crumble. Similarly, her fruit jam was highly prized by anyone fortunate enough to receive a jar.
She loved her family and had many friends. All those who were fortunate to know Lori will miss her dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences.”
Service
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
You were my sister, my friend, my confidant. You were taken too soon, you were just starting a new chapter in your life. I can’t tell you how much I love you and am going to miss you, without my heart breaking into a million pieces. My sincere condolences to Gerald, Andrew & Trevor at this time. Love you lots.
Gerald, Andrew, and Trevor please know that we are deeply saddened by the loss of your wife and mother. Lori was a wonderful person who had a passion for life. She was a great co-worker, friend and teacher. We will miss her heartfelt laughter, her delicious baked treats and her thoughtful support.
Lori, I hope you know you were loved by many. Rest in peace my friend.
With deepest sympathy,
Rosemary, Leonard, Natasha, Christopher and Alexander Garner
Lori was one of the first people that I met when I joined the Biology Department at UBC. She was so friendly and welcoming, and made me feel at home here. Lori was a lovely person and she will be greatly missed here.
Lori was a great teacher and friend. She was my green house trainer in the first week of my graduate school at UBC and always was a great teacher. I am deeply saddend to hear this news. We will miss you. Rest in peace!
My deepest condolences,
Dinesh Adhikary
Gerald, Andrew and Trevor,
I met Lori in 2003 when I began work at OUC. She and I worked together on my research project for several years. Lori was a big help to me, always doing her work diligently and with pride, Most importantly, she was a good friend with whom I shared many afternoon conversations – when I could get her to put down her latest romantic novel. Lori was such a nice person and colleague. I’m very sad to hear about her passing.
Sincerely,
Bruce
I was shocked & saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. Next year would have been 30 years of knowing my dear friend. My heart goes out to Gerald, Andrew & Trevor. Their world has not only been rocked but severely shaken.
Gerald, Andrew and Trevor – truly shocked to hear of Lori’s passing, much too soon. I had not known your family a long time but she was so welcoming and warm, sorry for your loss!
Gerald, Andrew and Trevor – we were all so very shocked and saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. Sincere condolences
from all of us. Lori always brought lots of fun during the family visits with grand parents in Vancouver and she was always very kind and welcoming to us when we visited Kelowna on our family vacations many years ago. Always a bright smile and lots of laughter. We will keep those memories close. Kevin, Janet, Aileen and Owen.
I had many conversations working with Lori at UBCO. She was thoughtful and gentle. She will be missed.
My condolences to her family.
We would like to thank everyone here for their lovely messages of compassion & support. All those who have reached out to us with a kind word or generous act during this difficult time, please know that it is deeply appreciated.
Thank you for helping us celebrate Lori’s life,
– Gerald, Andrew & Trevor McAleese