Lorissa Michelle Blackburn

Lorissa Michelle Blackburn, known affectionately as Lori by her friends and family, lived a life that was as vibrant and heartfelt as the music she so dearly loved.

Born on December 11th, 1968, in the town of Woodstock, Lori's spirit danced through the world for 55 remarkable years before she took her final, peaceful bow in the very place she began her journey, on September 3rd, 2024. From the moment she opened her eyes to this world, Lori was a beacon of courage and love. Her infectious smile and friendly demeanor was affectionate and uplifting to all who were fortunate enough to journey alongside her.

Lori embraced life with both hands, turning ordinary days into adventures with her love for many drives, her passion for thrifting that unearthed countless treasures, and camping trips that bonded souls beneath the canvas of stars.

Professionally, Lori was the embodiment of compassion and dedication, traits that shone brightly in her work with Carepartners as a Personal Support Worker. Loving her career she was a caregiver, a confidant, and a friend, touching the lives of many with her kindness and unwavering support. Her commitment to those in her care was a testament to her unbreakable spirit and her deep well of empathy.

Family was the symphony of Lori's life, a melody woven with threads of unconditional love and joyous moments. Her mother, Maxine Harwood, was her rock, her stepfather, Don Harwood (predeceased), her guiding light, and her children, Jordan Nieuwhof (Meghan), and Leanne Nieuwhof (Dylan), her proudest achievements. Each chapter of Lori's story was enriched by their presence, and in her grandchildren, Amie, Annika, and  loving angel Jayden (predeceased).

Lori's battle with cancer was fought with a courage that echoed the strength of her character. Never one to back down from a challenge, she faced each day with a loving heart and a friendly smile, undeterred by the hardships she endured. Her resilience was more than an inspiration; it was a legacy, a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of life's toughest trials. Those who knew Lori would say she was not only the life of the party but also its heart and soul. Her interests, from the thrill of discovering a hidden gem at a thrift store to the serene moments spent around a campfire with loved ones, were more than hobbies; they were extensions of her essence, expressions of a life lived fully and with intention.

As we celebrate the life of Lorissa Michelle Blackburn, we are reminded that every moment is a chance to be courageous, to be loving, and to be friendly. Let us honor her memory by embracing these qualities, by making the most of the time we have, and by loving each other with the same openness and warmth that she showed to the world. Lori's departure is not an end but a transformation, a continuation of a journey that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Her melody may have softened, but it will resonate forever in the symphony of life. She joins loving family in Heaven and continues to provide her guiding love as an angel over all those who knew and loved her.

The love expressed with her Care Team brought Lori great joy through these few years. The care and support team she was blessed with brought her not only great care but truly became a significant loving and caring part of her family. She loved visits from all her caring support workers and was always excited for their visits. Her nurses and care team at Woodstock General Hospital were thought of as nothing less than family and Lori always expressed her love and gratefulness for their caring presence. The team of Doctor Fryer, and Doctor Hons left a memorable touch to Lori and family throughout the years and Lori expressed her love for all those that cared for her on each and every visit.

The family is forever thankful for the love and care everyone brought to Lori as she journeyed through life.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take Friday, September 20, 2024, from 1-2 pm followed by a Memorial Service in the Chapel at 2pm at Brock and Visser Funeral Home (845 Devonshire Ave. 519-539-0004). If you so desire, donations to Woodstock Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.