Lori Anne was born on July 25, 1964, in Southampton to loving parents, Ross and Mary (Goar) Dudgeon. The Dudgeon family resided in Port Elgin before moving to Toronto, where Ross attended Teachers College. When Lori was almost one, Ross and Mary learned that their beloved daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy, and would never live a normal life. Sadly, in the months that followed they learned that Lori suffered from severe paralysis on her left side and would never walk. She was also legally blind. Although limited physically, the love between Lori and her parents never waivered and she enjoyed a happy childhood. The Dudgeon family returned to Bruce County following Ross’ schooling and settled in Dobbinton in August of 1967. Lori was joined by younger siblings Lisa (1965), Larry (1967), Karyn (1968), Kim (1970), and Marty (1974). As the oldest, she was quick to remind her younger siblings who was the Boss! 🙂 She often referred to them as “kids” and followed that up with her memorable grin.
Throughout her childhood, Ross and Mary provided Lori with constant love and support, attending to her every need. Lori’s siblings often joked that she was the spoiled one, or treasured first child, and got everything she wanted. However, I am told that was not always the case. Due to her lack of vision, Lori relied heavily on sounds and developed an unbelievable sense of hearing through her early years. She quickly learned to identify family and friends by the sound of their voice and was rarely wrong. At the age of 12, Lori began attending school at Brucehaven in Walkerton. She and a classmate rode together taking a taxi to school every day. Lori graduated at 21 and began working at ARC Industries in Owen Sound. Ross and neighbour, Harvey Monkman (a.k.a. Garf) drove Lori to work daily for two years, as it was on their way to work at West Hill. These trips created countless memories for both men, as their time with Lori was priceless. A story was told of one such trip home whereby Harvey agreed not to say a word when Lori entered the car, a challenge for Harvey at the best of times (sorry Harvey!). After several moments of listening Lori said “Hi Garf” knowing full well he was there. All three burst out in laughter.
In the late 1980’s, Lori moved from her childhood home and became a member of the Community Living family in Owen Sound. In the years that followed she made many new friends and always enjoyed visits from her parents, “Ross and Mom” – Lori’s words, siblings, and later nieces and nephews. Lori’s laughing and teasing continued for the next generation as she always liked giving her six nieces and nephews a hard time whenever she had a chance.
In her younger years, Lori enjoyed attending a variety of Easter Seal camps and visits to Participation Lodge. She absolutely loved horseback riding, particularly on her beloved Billy, even though she was often stuffed up, with watering eyes, as she was quite allergic to most animals. Lori enjoyed swimming at the Y, attending productions at the Roxy, and taking in as many Owen Sound Attack and Toronto Blue Jay games as possible. She loved her wooden puzzles, spending countless hours perfecting them, and became quite the accomplished bowler in her later years, even participating in the Special Olympics. Lori was a sports fanatic and loved entertaining herself by taking in a variety of sports on TV. She followed the commentary closely and enjoyed golf, hockey, baseball (even though she called it football), and last but not least curling. Lori was often heard yelling out “hurry, hard” as the sweepers swept the rock down the ice into the perfect position. No day was complete without “Barker” – The Price Is Right and “Phil” – Dr. Phil.
Routine played an important part in Lori’s life. In her childhood, she would often follow Mary to the sewing room, where she would grab a garbage pail and pick up all the pins and materials Mom dropped. She always reminded others to clean up after themselves. Lori had a great sense of time and always kept those around her on task. Stories of her love, laugh, and personality will continue to live on in the stories and lives of her family and friends, who were so blessed to be part of Lori’s earthly journey. Please continue to live, love and laugh, as Lori would want us to do, living each day to the fullest!
Lori passed away at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound, after a brief illness, on Monday, August 17, 2020 in her 57th year.
Beloved daughter of Ross and Mary (Goar) Dudgeon of Dobbinton. Cherished sister of Lisa (Mike) Vandenberg of Port Elgin, Karyn (Jim) Thuss of Dorchester, Kim (Mario) Piroli of Leamington and Marty Dudgeon (Julie Kinniburgh) of Ilderton. Lori will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Jessica, Curtis, Melanie, Natalie, Jordan, and Cole. She will be missed by her Aunt Agnes (Brian) Markle and Uncles Doug (Ruth) Dudgeon, Don (Norma) Dudgeon, Larry (Heather) Dudgeon, and their families. Lori was predeceased by her brother Larry in infancy, Aunts Maxine and Sonja, Uncle Harold, and her grandparents.
A private graveside service honouring and celebrating Lori’s life will be held at Sanctuary Park Cemetery, Port Elgin.
Memorial donations to Community Living Owen Sound & District or charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
