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LORI DENNIS
Date of Passing: Dec 11, 2023
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
LORI DENNIS
Peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer, Lori Dennis, 68, passed away at Riverview Health Center on December 11, 2023. Lori was married to her high school sweetheart, Steve for 44 wonderful years.
Lori was predeceased by her father, Donald Edward Zaharia. She is survived by her mother, Florence Hughes, and her brother, Donald Joseph Zaharia (Rachel). Also survived by Steve’s siblings, Bob Dennis, Dave Dennis (Carmen), and Lisa (Lindon) Lambert. Lori was well supported during her illness by her cousins in the Sayer and Hughes families. Lori will be missed by her uncle Gary Hughes and aunt Mary in Fredericton. Also, her dear uncle Ted in Edmonton and aunt Pat Hughes in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lori was born and mostly raised in Transcona. Her Mom and Dad owned and operated The Book Store on Bond Street. Lori started dating Steve when they were 16 years old. The 52-year romance included Bassett Hounds all the way. More on that later.
Lori graduated from Murdock Mackey Collegiate and when on to graduate from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in Psychology. Steve and Lori married in 1979. Lori and Steve were true partners and Lori transferred residences many times to support Steve in his automotive career. Lori always found interesting jobs along the way, working for the Saskatchewan Government, the PC Party of Manitoba, Valley Chev Olds, and Adesa Auto Auctions. Lori also served on the Board of Regents for the University of Winnipeg, and the Clean Environment Commission.
Lori was determined to build a new cottage at Rice Lake, and found the blueprints and ordered the material herself. The old cabin was demolished by Lori and Steve and the new cabin was built in 1997. Lori and Steve loved the small community of Rice Lake, where their neighbours were mostly schoolmates from Transcona. Lori would ride into the Lake behind Steve on a snowmobile while carrying a Bassett Hound in her arms. Not to be outdone in the adventure lifestyle, Lori scuba dove in the Caribbean and the waters of Hudson Bay. She rode on the back of the Harley for many trips with Steve and their friends Cathy and Glenn Cross.
Lori retired in 2014 and patiently waited for Steve to retire in 2016. From there it was a new adventure all the time. Lori and Steve found their Bassett, Abbie, in the first summer of retirement. They spent four wonderful years in Arizona. Over the years they would travel to Alaska, Vietnam, Cambodia, Italy, Mexico, Spain and Portugal.
Lori loved animals and she owned seven generations of hounds while married to Steve. Three of the dogs were rescues and people would say how lucky these dogs were for being rescued by Lori.
Lori unfortunately found herself having breast cancer in May 2021, and was successfully treated by Dr. Jamie Gillespie, and that cancer was cured by August the same year. With no time to celebrate Lori was found to have lung cancer. In this fight, she was ably treated by CancerCare Manitoba. Special thanks to Dr. James Paul, who notably extended Lori’s life and continued to be her doctor into and including palliative care. Lori pulled off a miracle in the middle of all this. She recovered from chemotherapy, grew her hair back, and travelled to Italy for four weeks with Steve in September 2022. She was walking three kilometers a day. Upon return, Lori was found to have a tumor in her cerebellum. This was treated with radiation and Lori once again lost and grew her hair back. Lori fought Cancer for another year.
Lori was dubbed a warrior for her ability to take on all treatments and never complain. Lori was a tough cookie when it came to fighting cancer, and her efforts to survive were amazing. Special thanks go to the wonderful staff at Riverview Hospital Palliative E Wing who assured that Lori was comfortable in her final days.
According to Lori’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private memorial service will be held. Those not attending can view the service online at cropo.com commencing 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023. The service can be viewed up to 30 days later.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to either the Winnipeg Humane Society, or Cancer Care Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2023
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Steve I was just viewing pictures on Julie’s page of Justin playing Volleyball at U of W. I noticed your darling wife was not by your side. My deepest sympathies. Lori was blessed indeed to share so many years of life and love with you and all your cherished 4legged family members. Sorry I did not contact you sooner but I did not hear of Lori’s crossing over until now. - Posted by: Patty Van Ryssel (Friend) on: Jan 01, 2024
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Steve and family, My deepest condolences - Posted by: Fraela Tuckett (Neighbours on Timmerman Pl.) on: Dec 16, 2023
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In the short time I got to know Lori and Steve,they touched my heart.They were so kind to me and Lori was a pleasure to help.I will never forget you .The Love you two shared made be believe in True Love."Love Never Fails." - Posted by: Carleen Ottenbreit (Caregiver) on: Dec 14, 2023
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My condolences to you Steve and family on Lori's passing. You and I go back to the days of Keystone Ford and I thought I knew you both well -- but I did not know that you were high school sweethearts! She stood strongly beside you on each and every one of your career transitions and enjoyed life. It is indeed sad that she lost the battle, but she fought hard, I hope she brought a tub of butter to Heaven for Beazley! - Posted by: Brenda Tesch (Previous Co-Worker) on: Dec 14, 2023
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Steve, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We not only share in your sorrow, we send our deepest condolences to you and family over the loss of Lori. Thinking of you, now more than ever. Diane and Bob MacDonald - Posted by: Diane and Bob MacDonald (Friends) on: Dec 13, 2023
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I worked with Lori for many years at the Adesa, Auto Auction Winnipeg. We had our own little dark corner that we spent our day in working and laughing, our own little club that she named dinky’s corner. The picture we took in dinky’s corner is still placed on my shelf in my room as a reminder my cherished memories back then. I absolutely loved working with Lori and miss her dearly. May she be at peace now. - Posted by: Kara Laing (Co-worker) on: Dec 13, 2023
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Dear Aunt Flo, Steve, and Don…..my deepest condolences on your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Lori will be sadly missed by us all! Love cousin Bill! - Posted by: Bill Hughes ( Cousin) on: Dec 13, 2023
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Steve.. When I read this , this morning my heart sunk for you. From the days at Keystone in the 80's and beyond, as a newspaper rep for the companies you were employed at, I knew 2 things: 1. How much Lori meant to you. If I recall, you mentioned her because although we had the same name, it was spelled differently. When you spoke of her, one would know immediately, you were a happy man in a loving relationship. 2. Your genuine self.. I believe in angels, and if you are open to it...you will see and hear signs from her. My deepest condolences. What a wonderfully strong woman she was.. - Posted by: Laurie Gydé (Business Rep of Steve Dennis) on: Dec 13, 2023
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Lori and Steve were neighbours of mine for many years when we all lived on Timmerman Place. They moved away when Steve took a position at Valley Chev in Neepawa. I remember many lively discussions we all had with Lori over the years. She was never one to back down from an opinion she held. I did run into Steve and Lori here and there and they always remembered me from our neighbourhood days. Steve, I know you will miss your life partner dearly but take some comfort in the fact that her long fight is now over and she can finally have a rest. - Posted by: Ron Youngson (Friend) on: Dec 13, 2023
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Steve, mi mas sentido pesame por la muerte de tu esposa. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I hope the happy memories you shared with Lori carry you through and give you peace of a well lived life even if it was short. Silvia Y Edwin - Posted by: Silvia Panameno (Castillo) (co-worker) on: Dec 13, 2023
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My deepest condolences to Steve and the family. So sorry to hear about your loss. May she R.I.P. 🌷 Simone Bucher - Posted by: Simone Bucher (Worked with Steve) on: Dec 13, 2023
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Dear Aunty Flo, Steve & Donny. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved 1 Lori. Sounds like she had a great life & many adventures. She was a true warrior in every aspect of her Journey’s with so much cancer. Just know that you’re all in my thoughts & prayers. Always remember all of the amazing memories that you all made / had together through out all the years. Blessings to you all today & always. Love ❤️ Bonnie. - Posted by: Bonnie irwin (Cousin) on: Dec 13, 2023
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Hi Steve, it was nice to run into you recently at the Pony Corral. I'm so sorry for your loss. Relationships like the one you and Lori had are indeed a rarity. Best, Ken - Posted by: Ken Bentley (Friend) on: Dec 13, 2023
