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
Tom, Heather, Leah and all the Burley Family, I was absolutely shock to hear of Lori’s passing. It’s been many years since I’ve seen any of you. Lori was one of the first mom’s I met when I discovered I was expecting twins at 7 1/2 months. Lori gave me a big hug whispering in my ear, you’ll be ok, just pretend that’s the way its supposed to be and no one will be any wiser. We had some good times in the twin’s club. Thank you Lori. My prayers go to the family. Sincerely, Linda Griffin and Family. Your laughter will live on within your family.
Tom and family, Louanna, Paul and families
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Lori was an amazing teacher. I worked with her in her class at Campus View. Lori had such positive energy that she made her classroom a place all the kids wanted to be. I so enjoyed her humour and as I think of her I can hear her laughter, as she told us stories, or made a comment about the world around us, or the stage of life we were in. She loved her family, and spoke of you often. My deepest sympathy to you all. She will be deeply missed by everyone.
Liz Ross
Tom, Leah and Heather,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Lori and my heart goes out to you all during this difficult time. The one thing I remember distinctly about Lori was her passion for children which she exemplified in her role as an educator. I had the pleasure of seeing this first-hand during a visit to Tillicum Elementary School with Sandy Richardson of the Victoria Foundation. Lori exuded a kind spirit that touched so many people. May she rest in peace.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Shannon Drew
Dear Tom & family,
We are so sorry to learn of Lori’s passing. We will always remember Lori with a smile, as she always had one for us, whenever and wherever we met. Her sense of humour (wicked!), and infectious laugh made you want to spend time in her company. Not to mention watching the two of you “cut a rug” on the dance floor! Take good care and know that we are sending our love and prayers to your family.
Sincerely, Susan & Sandro Lucato
Ben and Leah….D’Arcy and I were saddened to hear that you have lost your Mother,Mother-in-law and Nana to your precious baby girl Florence.
Please accept our sincerest condolences….you and your family are in our thoughts.
Debbie and D’Arcy Mulligan
Dear Family,
Tom, you won’t know me but I was once married to Gary Gibson, (Tofino) and knew your mum and dad. I had of course met all of you but that was many years ago now. My daughter, Shelley Green is Deputy Superintendent for School Dist. 61 and I know she has been deeply troubled by Lori’s illness and passing.
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you all and am so sorry.
Life goes on but at this time I’m sure you are wondering how that is possible.
Love to you all,
Barb Gibson/Lovick
Tom and family; Louanna and family; Paul and family – My deepest condolences to you all. Lori always had the most beautiful smile and spunky personality. No doubt she will be missed by many. I had the pleasure of running into Lori at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal just this past July and met your beautiful daughter, Leah, and grandbaby Florence. May all your wonderful memories give you comfort during this difficult time and which will forever be treasured. Thinking of you all!
So sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
My heartfelt condolences to the Burley family. I met Lori 13 years ago as a new administrator to Victoria. She was welcoming,and always had great advice, interwoven with her witty sense of humour. She was a wonderful lady and her absence is deeply felt. She was taken far too young and had lots more to give. My deepest sympathies to all.