Lori Evelyn Lavallee

Oct. 25, 1963 ~ June 25, 2014

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lori Evelyn Lavallee, after a courageous battle with cancer. An adventure seeker in life, Lori left us on June 25th, 2014, for an even greater adventure. Lori was born in New Westminster, BC, and spent her early childhood in places such as Whitehorse, YT, Inuvik, NT and Masset (Queen Charlotte Islands), BC. As a teen, Lori lived in Shilo, MB, where she later met her husband, Brent Gies. After residing in Lahr, Germany and Northern New Brunswick, she began her post-secondary education at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack, BC, where she earned a diploma in Social Services (1993). Lori's love of academia further led to the awarding of two degrees from St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB. In 1996, she received a First Class Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in English Language and Literature (Interdisciplinary Major in Gender Studies) and a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1999. In 2000, Lori moved to Lethbridge where she began establishing herself as a freelance writer, covering a wide spectrum of academic disciplines and service industries, including hotel and grocery management, home building and magazine publishing. In 2003, she gave birth to her only child, Luka, the light of her life. Their winter adventures included learning to ski and in summer embracing the sounds of the open skies of the Alberta music scene, mainly folk, cowboy poetry and bluegrass. From 2008-2012, Lori was employed at the University of Lethbridge as content developer with Information Technology Solutions. More recently she had established a business as a project based content specialist. In addition to serving with the Writers Guild of Alberta, Lori supported the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the Lethbridge Pronghorns Operation Red Nose. She is survived by her loving son, Luka Gies (""the finest years I ever knew/were all the years I had with you""), husband Brent Gies, Mother Wendy (Patrick) Hogan, sister Michele Lavallee (Randy Woods), brother Matthew (Birgit) Lavallee, nephew Brayden, niece Emily, father Armand (Margaret) Lavallee, and her many ""friends of the heart."" The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Michael's Palliative Care for their compassionate and skilled care during this difficult time. Also to friends who gave us the strength and courage to carry on. A memorial service followed by a celebration of Lori's life will be held at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB at 10:30AM on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. A private internment will take place at Lethbridge Mountain View Cemetery for family only. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may wish to donate to St. Michael's Palliative Care in Lethbridge, AB, 1400 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4V5. Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.