Obituaries

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.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mcaleese-lori/

Condolence Messages

Jul 04, 2019
Lori's family 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
Jun 26, 2019
Trevor, my deepest sympathies to you, your brother and father. So very sorry to hear. Mrs. Gisele Rehill and family.
Jun 24, 2019
Gerald, I was so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. She was always so interesting to chat with. My thoughts are with you and your family through this difficult time.

Bonnie Duchscher
Jun 23, 2019
I met and worked with Lori early in my career at Caro and also at OUC (later UBCO) but in a different departments. I enjoyed her company and my time with her. I had not seen Lori in some time and was thinking of having a visit with her just recently and then learned of her passing. I'm so sorry for your loss Gerald, Andrew and Trevor.

My condolences,

Christina Bleskie
Jun 22, 2019
Gerald, Andrew and Trevor. We are very sorry to hear of Lori's passing. We will miss seeing her across the street.

Sincerely, Lori and Harry Wolff.
Jun 22, 2019
We are thinking of you Gerald, Andrew and Trevor, with Lori's passing. Lori has been a dear friend to me for 47 years - since Grade 9 when we met in homeroom in high school. We shared time at UBC, weddings, the joys of parenthood and kept in contact even though we lived in different cities. We spent more time together since your move to the Kelowna area. I will miss Lori's sense of humor and the time we spent together. Our sympathies to you,

Karol and Brian Elliott and family
Jun 21, 2019
Gerald, Andrew and Trevor,

So truly sorry to hear of Lori's passing. I worked with her for many years at CARO - a truly wonderful, caring, kind person. She always tried to persuade me to add several guinea pigs to my ever expanding family pet collection but never quite succeeded!

My sincere condolences, she will be missed.

Angela Lambrecht
Jun 20, 2019
Gerald,

I was deeply saddened to hear that Lori had passed away. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Deb Bowie
Jun 20, 2019
So sorry to hear of your loss, Gerald. Didn't she just come into Art Knapp's a few weeks ago? Will miss her smiling face. Sophie Jansen
Jun 20, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. She was a wonderful colleague and will be truly missed! She was well loved and respected by many at UBCO. Rest in peace Lori!

Cheryl Ash
Jun 20, 2019
So very sorry to hear of Lori's passing. I met her about 20 years ago through her love of guinea pigs. My condolences to her family.

Lisa Snyders
Jun 19, 2019
Gerald, Andrew & Trevor,

I'm so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her when she would come into the store. Sending you heartfelt condolences at this sad time.

Hollie Lorentz
Jun 19, 2019
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