It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Lori’s passing on August 29, 2017. She passed away peacefully in her beautiful home surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Lori was born in Vancouver and raised in Ucluelet, BC. She attended the University of Victoria and began her teaching career in Tofino in 1977. She married her husband Tom in Ucluelet in 1980 and in 1983 gave birth to their twin daughters Heather and Leah in Victoria. Throughout her over 30-year career in education in Victoria, she taught at many School District 61 Elementary Schools. After completing her Masters of Arts in Leadership at Royal Roads University, she went on to work as an administrator, serving as Vice Principal at Vic West and Campus View Elementary Schools, and as Principal of Tillicum Elementary School for over a decade.
Lori’s life was full in so many ways. She was a committed teacher whose thoughtful approach to education, and dedication and attention made it possible for her students to excel in the classroom and beyond. She was a respected administrator whose leadership united the many colleagues with whom she worked and inspired the countless young educators whom she mentored. She was a supportive, fun loving, and attentive confidante to her many friends. Most importantly, she was a committed and loving partner to her husband Tom, a proud and devoted mother to her daughters Heather and Leah, and most recently, an adoring Nana to her grand daughter Florence.
Lori loved nature and the outdoors, cherishing her time at the lake with family and visits to the rugged beaches of the Vancouver Island’s West Coast. She loved family travel, visiting favourites such as Palm Springs, Maui, France, and Cancun over the past few years. She had a great enthusiasm for an active lifestyle, enjoying vigorous walks with many beloved walking partners, and a variety of activities at her cabin including kayaking, biking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Lori was sick for only the last 3 months of her life. Like in all other areas, she faced her sudden illness with dignity, optimism, and determination. Her strength and hope in the face of this ultimate challenge, as well as her fierce love for her family, will forever inspire us. Her passing is a deep loss to the many communities that she impacted and was a part of: the School District community, her community of friends, and her large family.
Lori is predeceased by her parents Mary Niemi and Leo Suo and survived by her husband Tom, daughters Leah (Ben and grand daughter Florence) and Heather (Mark), sister Louanna (Terry and nephew Ryan), brother Paul (Kay), and a large and loving extended family.
We wish to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses, and counsellors at Victoria Hospice who helped us care for Lori at home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 3-7pm at the Beach House, 5109 Cordova Bay Road, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice or, as Lori would likely encourage, to any charity one feels passionate about.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
35 Responses
The Burley family – my sincere condolences for your immense loss
Tom and family: Mark had told me that Lori had passed suddenly and I was shocked. Now I see it in the TC. I think the first time we met was waiting in line for a campsite at Rathtrevor and we have run into you both for years since. Our condolences. Take care, Ross and Kathy Hill
To Tom and family, we are so sorry to read of your loss. We remember Lori as being full of life, and a dedicated mother and wife.
Our hearts go out to you,
Martin and Helen Murenbeeld
Tom and family
we send our heartfelt condolences to you and at this very sad time. Lori will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
Much Love
❤
Jance Croteau
Barb Fullerton
Sue Clayton
(Jim Fitzsimmons’ Family)
To Tom and family,
I am so sorry that you have lost your wife, mom and nana. Lori was and still is an inspiration to so many people.
I will miss Lori’s intellect and her passion. She was a wonderful friend and colleague. But most of all I’ll miss her sense of humour. She was truly one of the wittiest people I’ve ever known.
I valued her friendship and I’m thankful to have known her.
Janice Matthews
Kelvin and I extend sincerest condolences to you, Tom, on the loss of your dear Lori. Our world can ill afford the loss of such a wonderful person.
Her memory is an inspiration to us all and we pray for your strength and peace as you continue on Life’s journey.
Knowing you both has been a privilege.
Lorne and Kelvin McCulloch
Tom and family……our heart felt sympathies for your unfortunate loss. She was way too young to be taken from those who knew her and loved her. Life is not fair sometimes and obviously this is one of those times that will be the toughest for you to endure and get through. We know you of strong mind with a huge heart and those attributes will carry you through to help soften the blow and get through this difficult time. Take care.
Mike and Simona
I will always remember Lori with a smile. Lori was fun to be around. She brightened up the staff room with her zany stories (often about the horrors of menopause) and was someone you immediately felt comfortable with. Lori was down to earth and authentic. She was a great administrator because she walked the walk and was trusted to do the right thing. She understood struggle and she dealt with it using humour and compassion. It was my honour to work with her at Campus View. I still treasure the note she wrote to me upon my retirement. Please know that Lori’s contribution to Education was eclipsed only by her day to day interactions with the people she knew. She will be greatly missed and not soon forgotten.
Dear Tom, Heather and Leah – so sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. I will always remember her spirit, passion and wit. My deepest condolences to all of you. Sincerely, Kyman
To Tom, and family. Please accept our deepest and heart felt condolences for the loss of your wife, Lori. She will be forever missed by her family and friends and whoever she had come in contact with.
Sincerely Bob and Marianne Eng and family