Obituary: Lori Ann Willhite, 52, Of Haddam

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Lori Ann Willhite, beloved daughter of Arnold and Sherryl Willhite, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday December 4, 2022. She was born on April 17, 1970 in Key West, FL and then was raised and resided in Wallingford, CT for most of her life until recently settling near the water on the CT River in Haddam.

After graduating from Mark T. Sheehan High School in 1988, Lori furthered her education at Middlesex Community College where she earned an Associate Degree, followed by SCSU where she earned a BS in Biology, and finally at Gateway Community College where she earned her Nursing Degree in their very first class of the accelerated nursing program through Allied Health & Nursing.

Upon becoming an RN, she was hired at Yale New Haven Hospital working in Oncology and then Critical Care Obstetrics. She later moved on to Community Health Network of CT where she was currently employed as Team Lead in Intensive Care Management.

Lori’s compassion and care extended beyond humans. She was extremely passionate and loving towards all animals. She volunteered her time to animal rescue organizations, transporting dogs or cats to foster homes, walking dogs at the Wallingford Animal Shelter, and visiting goat farms.

Lori’s home always included cats. She leaves behind her cats Phoebe and her “foster fail” Josie who she loved too much to give up.

Anything that Lori loved was expressed in the most vibrant and passionate ways. Being a Conch (native of Key West) and being so much like her grandmother, she collected seashells and spent every opportunity to be by the shore. Her travels always led her to beaches and scenic wine regions.

Lori was artistic and crafty. She had impeccable taste for decorating her home and for the holidays – especially her favorite, Halloween. She was always thrilled to be the host of a party – going all out with every decoration or accessory she could find. Even the dishes she cooked were always presented in the fanciest ways. Lori was a loyal fan of the NY Giants, Boston Red Sox, and UConn Huskies.

Besides her parents, Lori is survived by her brother, Marc Willhite; her sister, Colleen Van Hennik and brother-in-law, Lee Van Hennik; her aunts and uncles, Gail and Bob Cosky, James and Sandy Willhite, Donna and Jesse Timm, Janet Willhite; her many cousins; as well as countless friends from all walks of life – especially her longest and dearest childhood friends, Jennifer Wangler and Kim Kovalski. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Arnold “Jack” and Laura Willhite and Leo and Eleanor Conary.

Lori’s family will receive relatives and friends in the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext. on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A memorial service will follow beginning at 5 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lori’s name to Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter of Branford, CT (lburban@branford-ct.gov) or Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter (info.friendsofwas@gmail.com).

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.