It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that those close to Lorianne (Lori) O’Connor bid farewell to a remarkable woman after her valiant battle with cancer.
Lori was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the lives of all who were fortunate enough to be in her circle. She left behind a legacy of courage, resilience and inspiration.
Lori was born and raised in Cedar Grove, spending time at the Jersey Shore where she developed a lifelong love for the coastal lifestyle. She was a visionary who navigated a path less traveled.
After studying at Fordham University, Lori found her passion in the financial world. In an era when few women succeeded on Wall Street, she fearlessly carved out her niche in “the pit.” She furthered her career by moving to Paris for years, mastering the language and the culture. Her intellect and hard work, combined with a determination to succeed, allowed her an early retirement that few can enjoy.
Lori was never idle and was a true globetrotter at heart. Her insatiable sense of adventure and curiosity led her to the far ends of the earth and everywhere in between. She embraced all cultures and cuisines, forging connections and many lifelong relationships.
Lori’s sophisticated knowledge of flowers and her love for gardening created a canvas of brilliant color every year in her front yard, delighting the neighborhood. She approached gardening with the same zeal and skill she brought to each endeavor she mastered.
Her warmth, humor and culinary skills made her the perfect hostess, and she was never happier than when surrounded by friends at her dining room table. Her parties were legendary. There was never a menu or a good bottle of wine Lori couldn’t handle. She was the center of every holiday and made everyone around her feel genuinely special and important. Lori created a sense of community that will live on and her tapestry of friends will miss her elegance, glamor, generosity, excitement and her love, which knew no bounds.
Lori was predeceased by her parents, James and Norma (Reilly) O’Connor, her dear brother Jay, and her cherished friend Edith (Wolf) Marucci. She leaves behind two godchildren, Leana and Nicole, whom she was tirelessly devoted to, and countless close friends. Lori was a doting mother to her beloved Westies, Reggie and Esprit.
Cremation will be private and a memorial service will be announced for this summer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank.
This article originally appeared in the February 29 – March 6, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
