On June 25, 2013, Lori Fennell of Goleta, California passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Burbank, CA on October 18, 1951, but spent the last 33 1/2 years in Goleta CA.
The pride of her life was her family, and she was dedicated to her roles as daughter, sister, aunt, mother, wife and grandma. She was always there, whatever was needed, and made each family member feel special. She had a fierce and unconditional love and loyalty, was very forgiving, and always had a way of making everything seem OK. Our home was always open to everyone. Lori loved kids and she touched many hearts.
Lori loved family gatherings, holidays, and especially the annual family vacation to Robinson Creek with stops at the Burger Barn. She loved our trips to Jekyll Island, camping on the Rincon, camping at Robinson Creek, eating at the Georgia Pig, Shrimp with Pesto at the Beachside Bar-Café, making chocolate birthday pies, writing riddles to pack in my lunch bags, and occasional vodka tonics that were made “just right”. Lori loved baseball and was an avid Dodger fan. She volunteered and served on the board at Dos Pueblos Little League, where her sons played ball, and she was one of few women who could explain what it means to be a half-game ahead in the standings. She enjoyed regular phone calls to her mother, and (several times) daily phone calls to her sister, Bev, with whom she shared a very special bond.
Lori was loved beyond words, and although she will be forever missed, she will always live in our hearts. A private gathering of family and friends will be held to celebrate her life. She is survived by her husband, John, sons, Brian (Sathya) and Brandon (Christina), mother, Fern, sister, Beverly, sister-in-law, Tina, grandchildren, Darby, Riley and Liliana, nieces, Tamara, Kristyn, Megan, Chelsea and Shannon, nephews, Shaun, and Brandon, and her faithful companion, our Boxer, Dexter.
For those who wish to honor Lori’s life in this way, charitable contributions may be made in her name to:
Adopt A Sea Turtle
http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/join-us/adopt-a-turtle/ or
Hospice of Santa Barbara http://www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org/index.php
