Roarettes; Freshman Girl's choir; UIL Solo and Ensemble; Women's Concert Choir; Women's Select Choir; Spanish Club; Lionettes

Lori Lee Gillespie, Born Lori Lee Halbert, March 29, 1958, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Passed on January 29, 1988 Woodland Hills, California.  She was the middle child of three children, a brother, Jeff, 2 years older and a sister, Lee Rockway, 5 years younger.  Lori was never married. Her Father is Franklin J. Halbert and her mother is Lee Watts Halbert Gillelspie.  The Halberts were divorced and Lee married Daniel P. Gillespie and he adopted Lori and her sister.  Lori was born on the 29th, passed on the 29th and was 29 years old. 

"Oh, What A Girl",  "When You Walk Through the Clouds" and "Keep Your Head Up High" This is a good description to start off Lori's story.  From age 2, Lori was a fashionista, if I dressed her in slacks she would go and change into a dress.  As she got older, she loved to shop and wear really pretty girlie clothes.  Lori was effervescent, darling, beautiful, loved everyone and never met a stranger. She was such a joy to be around.  She loved music, singing, dancing and having fun.  She took tap, ballet and jazz when she was a youngster.  She took singing lessons much of her life.  At parties at our house, Lori, her sister and their friends would dress up in their costumes and my boots and put on a show for everyone, their favorite was "These Boots Are Made For Walking,  and That Is Just what I Will Do".  They were great entertainers.

A brain tumor interrupted Lori's journey at the age of 9.  The tumor was inoperable and with radiation, it was arrested but it damaged her sight and she could see how to get around but had trouble reading.  She was out of school for a semester and then attended a special education school for one and one-half year to learn Braille.  Of course, she aced Braille and returned to her junior high school classes.  This is not slow her down for one minute, just  "Pick Yourself UP, Dust Yourself Off And Start All Over Again", that was her attitude.  Her beauty, effervesces, friendless,  personality and smiles never left.  She was an A student, Honor Rolls through school and Dean's List every semester in college.

"Dancing Feet"!  Lori wanted to be a Lionette at Turner in the worst way.  Guess who was in charge of the Lionettes, her Mom!  She tried out her Senior year before a panel of judges and was chosen.  She was always the second one from the left because she was a tiny girl.  Mom played pretty rough with her, because she did every routine in an excellent manner and was a excellent team member and never caused any problems.  Mom gave her some demerits just so the others would know she did not play favorites. Lori thought that was totally unfair.  We had a great year together and I believe Lori performed at every football game because we had tryouts each week to see who would perform. 

"I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane".  Lori attended North Texas State University, Denton, TX, Towson University  Baltimore, MD, and graduated from San Francisco University, San Francisco, CA.  Although she knew Braille, she preferred to have readers to assist her in her studies.  She never needed assistance in living alone, her apartment was next to the campus and that was the meeting place for all of her friends.  After graduation, Lori did her Special Education teaching in a variety of schools in the SF area.  She also started working on her Master's Degree.  Lori converted to the Catholic Church and was very active and made many new friends.  She had lots of parties and get togethers at her apartment. 

In 1986, the brain tumor raised its ugly head again and finally Lori had to move to Woodland Hills, CA with her family (Mom, Dad and Sister) because she could no longer live alone.  She was six hours shy of her Master's in Special Education.  She got involved in a church group there and amid radiation and chemo they were there to take her places and to have parties at our house.  The chemo played havoc with Lori's body but she was still that wonderful, beautiful, effervescent, bubbly young lady she had always been. She new the story that the end was getting closer but she never let it  bother her or her exceptional outlook on life.  May we all be as brave.

"I'll Walk Alone"  & "I'll Do It My Way" Lori passed away at her home with her Mom and Sister.  Dan (her Dad) was on the way over to her house.  Her Mass was done in the evening at 7:30 PM completely by her friends.  They all spoke and told what Lori had meant to them and how she affected their lives.  The next morning, she was entombed in an open air mausoleum facing the large metal altar and crucifix where Easter Sunrise Services are held.  There is so much beauty there, just like Lori, beautiful flowers and such a peaceful place.   She was taken there "On Eagles Wings"  and is at rest in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery. She left holes in many hearts but God was good to give her to us as long as he did and we are grateful she was part of our lives.  We thank her for all of the memories that she left behind and all the love she gave to us.  "Amen, Amen"

This narrative was written by Lori's Mom and edited by her sister, Lee Rockway

 

Lori, Leanne, & Jeff	Lori 1965	Lori, AMEN
Lori & Mom at RLT Graduation	Lori Graduation	Lori the Teacher

San Fernando Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA