Lori Jean Loessin of Oconomowoc, peacefully passed away with her family by her side, on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the age of 62. She was born on October 24, 1958 in Beaufort, South Carolina, the daughter of James and Mary Jane (nee Helmer) Loessin, step-daughter to John Beiter. Lori graduated from Marquette University with a B.A. in Communications and Rhetorical Studies. She worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for many years until choosing to switch careers and start her own business as a seamstress. Lori was proud of her company “Alterations & Fine Tailoring,” as well as being a single mother of two girls, Lucy and Lydia. Out of her many accomplishments in life, Lori credited being a mother as the most important, constantly supporting her children in all they did. Lori was incredibly creative; she enjoyed working on her own projects through sewing, knitting, rug hooking and weaving, as well as making jewelry. Other hobbies she took pleasure in were gardening (she had the talent of being able to identify and name any flower), reading, shopping and taking art classes. She also loved animals, and was the owner of many pets throughout her life, most notably an English bulldog whom she adored (and was adored back by) named Cupcake. To Lori, life was meant to be lived boldly each day, whether it meant going on an adventurous trip, or selecting a vibrant nail polish color for a manicure. Whether it was through going out to a nice dinner, walking through a local farmer's market or attending a live concert, she loved being able to spend time with family and friends. Lori deeply valued volunteerism as well, serving as a dog walker for the Humane Animal Society (H.A.W.S.), bell ringer for the Salvation Army and on the flower guild for her church. Lori also actively performed random acts of kindness, as she wanted to contribute to helping others daily. She was a thoughtful, loyal friend and a loving, dedicated mother. She will be remembered for her bright spirit, which impacted the lives of so many.
Lori will be deeply missed by her daughters, Lucy and Lydia Loessin. She is additionally survived by her brother Scott (Caroline) Loessin, nieces Gabriella, Julyana, Elliana and Hampton Loessin. She is further survived by her uncle Richard Helmer, other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 10:00 A.M. until the 11:00 A.M. memorial service at Zion Episcopal Church, 237 N Lake Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066. A natural burial at Prairie Home Cemetery will be attended by immediate family. Lori loved to worship at Zion Episcopal Church, where she used her gifts to make everything more beautiful, whether by repairing and embellishing vestments or by creating custom floral arrangements. She especially loved to gather on Easter Sunday, when she and her friends would wear their loveliest hats. It was her desire that hats would be worn at her memorial service, as well.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to H.A.W.S. (Humane Animal Welfare Society) 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188.