Obituary
Lorrie N. Woolever

Lorrie N. Woolever
November 3, 1943 - September 3, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that I announce the peaceful passing of Lorrie N. Woolever, 81, my dearest Mom who left us all on September 2, 2025, after a brief illness. Comforted by her devoted son and his eternal love for her during her last moments in her home in North Carolina, Lorrie departed this world comfortable in her bed with the grace and dignity that defined her remarkable life.

Born on November 3, 1943, in the Bronx, New York, Lorrie spent her formative years in the scenic Catskill Mountains in the town of Smallwood, where she spent part of her childhood alongside her beloved siblings. The natural beauty of the mountains would remain close to her heart throughout her life, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures and quiet strength that nature provides. She loved the seasons and mentioned stoies about the lake and ice skating and playing in the snow during winter and swimming in the summers.

As a young woman, Lorrie embraced the role of single mother with unwavering dedication. She built a loving family with her three sons: Ricardo (Richard), Carmelo, and Jerry. The family made their initial home first in Middletown, New York with her husband of late when her last child was born in Newburgh, NY where they lived until life would throw another curve becoming the sole provider followed. Recognizing the importance of education and more sustainable opportunity, Lorrie pursued and completed her GED and attended business night school obtaining her certification, where she mastered the profession of bookkeeping—a skill that would serve her well throughout her career and exemplified her meticulous attention to detail and natural aptitude with numbers.

Seeking a safer environment and slower pace of life for her children, Lorrie made the thoughtful decision to relocate her family to Monticello, New York, encouraged by her mother and stepfather Don who loved her children. This move proved to be transformative, providing the nurturing environment she desired for raising her boys. In Monticello, Lorrie continued her bookkeeping career as a Night Auditor at the renowned Concord Hotel, where her precision and reliability made her an invaluable member of the team.

Later in life, Lorrie spent several fulfilling years in Florida, living near her eldest son Richard. She loved the beach and palm trees. During this time, she worked as a full-charge bookkeeper for several large companies, where her exceptional skills were highly valued. Her ability to balance her checkbook to the penny a testament to her mathematical precision and organized nature that her eldest son Richard admired but could never quite replicate.

After retiring, Lorrie's sense of family duty called her back to New York, where she selflessly took on the responsibility of caring for her aging mother, relieving her sister Holly of this important task during the final year of her life. This act of devotion exemplified the deep commitment that characterized Lorrie's spirit in spite of the complex relationship she had with her mother.

Throughout her life, Lorrie possessed an extraordinary capacity for forgiveness and unconditional love—admirable qualities and lessons she imparted to her children. Her wisdom was often shared through various meaningful phrases but one stands out the most. "We acquire the strength to overcome when we need it," she would say, offering comfort and encouragement during life's challenging moments.

An avid reader with an insatiable curiosity about the world, Lorrie maintained detailed book lists that still exist today, serving as a testament to her lifelong love of learning. She found particular inspiration in the works of Robert Frost, Rod McKuen, Maya Angelou and Kahlil Gibran to name among other distinguished writers, whose words spoke to her soul and enriched her understanding of the human experience.

Lorrie's generous spirit and desire to help others led her to volunteer at the local literacy center in Monticello, where she taught English and writing to non-English speaking immigrants. Her patience, kindness, and natural teaching ability made her invaluable to the center and students', many of whom she helped achieve their dreams of better communication and integration into their new community. Her dedication was so valued that she eventually became a paid employee, managing their public computer training center and continuing to touch lives through education and technology.

In her final chapter, Lorrie chose to relocate to North Carolina to live with her eldest son Richard, where she spent her remaining years surrounded by his love and care. During this precious time, mother and son shared countless conversations, opening their hearts and spirits to one another in ways that created lasting memories and deepened their unwavering bond to each other.

When cancer entered Lorrie's life, she faced it with the same quiet strength and dignity that had carried her through all of life's challenges. In her final days, she was blessed with the peaceful departure she had hoped for, resting comfortably in her bed, surrounded by love that had defined her entire existence. Her passing has left a profound silence in the home she filled with warmth and wisdom, and even Jasper, her son's beloved canine companion who loved licking her bed coverlet, searches for her presence and mourns her absence.

Lorrie is survived by her three sons: Richard, Carmelo, and Jerry, who will carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and compassion. She is also pre-deceased by her daughter Doris Grundel who passed away from illness several years prior and her children Alex, Stevie and Melanie. She also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her siblings Stewart, Bunny, Renee, Holly, and Thad, along with their children, will forever cherish the memories of a sister and Aunt who embodied kindness, love and authenticity.

True to her character, Lorrie's final wishes reflected her lifelong love of animals, particularly cats. As she has requested any memorial donations be made to local animal shelters in her name, ensuring that her compassion for vulnerable creatures continues to make a difference even after her passing.

A memorial service celebrating Lorrie's remarkable life will be held in New York in the Spring of 2026, with details to be announced. This gathering will provide an opportunity for all who knew and loved her to share memories, find comfort in community, and honor the beautiful legacy of a woman who touched so many lives with her strength, authenticity, grace, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Lorrie N. Woolever lived a life of purpose, love, and service to others. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family for generations to come. In the words she might have chosen herself, we have indeed acquired the strength to overcome, drawing from the love and wisdom she so generously shared throughout her extraordinary life.