Lori Jean Burnett

Lori Jean Burnett

May 19, 1969 – Jan. 10, 2024

Our hearts are heavy, eyes laden with tears, as we announce the passing of our dear Lori.

Lori was born in Burnaby and spent much of her early life living and working in the Burnaby area. One of her first jobs was working in the kitchen at Oakalla Prison and then she went on to catering at BC Hydro.  She moved to Abbotsford and bought her beloved little house in 1996. Lori continued to work at Hydro and commuted many years until she started another catering job not far from home.  Tiring of the catering business, she went on to work at a local plant nursery and then a farm, helping with chores and animal care, including horses, which she absolutely loved.  

 Lori always loved to foster a sense of community.  She helped start a neighborhood watch program in her area, to prevent crime and hosted many a backyard/lane party.  She was the neighborhood “Halloween enthusiast”, decorating her place elaborately, always with the thought of making it “welcoming” and fun.  

Lori moved just down the street from her place to live with Scott in 2005.  They enjoyed many mutual interests, including riding Harleys, quadding (one of her most favorite activities), and camping life at Kennedy Lake. Since 2016 they enjoyed time together, fishing, campfires, and entertaining friends at their cabin near Princeton. She loved Scott deeply and he loved her in an amazing way, never giving up on her fight to get better.

 Unfortunately, in summer of 2010 Lori was diagnosed with brain cancer and her life changed forever. She was on the roller coaster ride of her life, with various surgeries and treatments along the way.  She faced her challenges head on with a determination to stay positive, willing always, to have a sense of humor.

Lori was a wonderful friend and had a special relationship with a few dear long-term friends (you know who you are).  They stood by her side throughout her life, in the good times and the bad.

Predeceased by her parents George and Elaine Burnett and predeceased by her first partner, Mark Lemon in 1993. 

Survived by her loving partner, Scott Stefanko, her sweet dog, Princeton, dear siblings, John (Anne) Burnett, Langley, Derek (Christine) Burnett, Calgary, Louise (Randy) Schellenberg, Vernon, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Uncle, Ken (Pat), and cousins, in Canada, U.S., Antigua and Scotland, who she treasured.

Lori was a fun-loving, generous, feisty spirit.  She could often get you laughing until your belly hurt!   She will be missed so greatly by all who knew her.

 Please join us to share memories of Lori at her celebration of life tea:  1pm Saturday, April 20,2024, Matsqui Community Hall, 33676 St. Olaf Ave., Abbotsford, BC