Lori Blakely

All who knew Lori Blakely could attest for her fierce love of her family. A wonderful wife, mother, daughter, and sister she cherished these roles with a steadfast commitment to ensuring they were provided with everything they needed to feel loved. Nothing brought her greater joy than the time she spent with her family. Gone too soon, Lori will be deeply missed and her wonderful collection of memories will fondly live on in the hearts of her loved ones forever. Reflecting on the year 1981, it was a time of celebration across the nation. The Iran hostage crisis had ended, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer exchanged vows at the royal wedding, and NASA launched its first space shuttle, Space Shuttle Columbia. President Reagan appointed the first female justice, Sandra Day O'Connor on the United States Supreme Court and MTV (Music Television) was launched changing the music industry forever. On December 15th, Robert and Elizabeth "Liz" Pierson welcomed home their newborn baby daughter, Lori May in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Their only daughter, she brought great joy into their hearts and home. Growing up in the small Midwest town of Vicksburg, Lori lived a typical childhood of the times. She and her brothers, Jerry and Jimmy ran around the neighborhood with other local kids and when she grew tired of them, Lori was known to throw herself into a good book. An avid reader, Lori held this pastime throughout her life and was known to read a vast collection of books as well as keep the ones she couldn't bear to give up. Reading was her escape and kept her out of trouble. By the time she had reached her adult years, her collection had grown! Lori was a good student and well liked by her classmates. Even-tempered as well as humble, she was the type of person anyone would be lucky to call friend. She not only obtained her high school diploma from Vicksburg High School, she also met the man of her dreams, William Blakely. As a matter of fact, they first met in middle school but were not sweethearts until her senior year of high school when they officially began dating. Eager to spend the rest of their lives together, the happy couple joined in marriage and started a family of their own. As a mother, Lori was a natural nurturer. She loved being around children so when Brendan and Connor came into her life, she was blessed beyond measure. Very involved, Lori stayed home to care for them and enjoyed these years. She liked to set up play dates with their friends and celebrate their birthdays without missing any details. Being a mom was her greatest reward and she never took a single day they were together for granted. As a family, they enjoyed vacationing to the beautiful northern regions of Michigan, especially to Mackinac Island and to the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. She raised her boys to be kind-hearted and to work hard for they wanted to accomplish in life. Lori was immensely proud of both of them. Upbeat and positive, Lori was known to look on the bright side of life. When faced with the usual challenges, she drew on her appreciation for the simple pleasures in life including reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. When she wasn't deep into a novel, she was listening to her favorite country artists or 90s music. Music filled many of her days and she loved to share some of her favorite tunes with her two boys. Each and every Thanksgiving she looked forward to joining together with her family to celebrate all they had been blessed with over the past year. Nothing made her heart more full than preparing a home cooked meal and sharing conversation with her loved ones. Lori never missed her favorite television shows House, Archer, and Vikings and waited with anticipation when new seasons came out. A lover of all people, Lori never held a grudge instead she chose to see the good in others. Easy to talk to as well as dependable, she was a loyal friend to many. Her life touched the hearts of countless people over the years as she modeled being a generous spirit during times of great need. Lori's beautiful smile and loving ways will be sorely missed by all those who were close to her. May they feel her supportive presence guiding them to continue on without her and to reflect on the happy times and warm memories they shared together over the years. Lori May Blakely, of Vicksburg, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at the age of 37. She is survived by her loving husband, William and their two incredible children, Brendan and Connor Blakely; siblings; Jerry and Jimmy Pierson. Please visit Lori's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign her guestbook, share a memory, and receive updated service related information. Those who wish may make contributions to the family. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Homes, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697).