Obituaries
Breast Cancer Survivor, Basking Ridge Mom Leaves Beautiful Legacy
A GoFundMe has been set up for Lori Gayle Zwirblis Kennedy's family, which includes her 2 daughters. A memorial service is set for Feb. 8.
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Breast cancer survivor and 62-year-old Basking Ridge mom, Lori Gayle Zwirblis Kennedy died on Jan. 11 peacefully at Morristown Medical Center with family by her side.
"Lori filled countless hearts with joy and leaves a beautiful and lasting legacy," according to her family's obituary.
Kennedy leaves behind her husband Bart and two daughters Peyton(26) and Lauren(21) Kennedy.
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She was a true Jersey Girl as she lived in Scotch Plains, Union, Warren, Bedminster, Pluckemin, Hoboken, Weehawken, and ultimately Basking Ridge.
She is a graduate of Bernards High School (Bernardsville – 1980). Lori and Bart were married at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster on May 16, 1993.
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A 30-plus year breast cancer survivor, Kennedy served as 1st Vice President on the board of directors for the non-profit SHARE in New York City. On a national media platform, she became the face of young women diagnosed with breast cancer, helping others on the same path and advocating for their health.
Supporting her children’s passions, she also served as President of the Ridge High School Drama Club Boosters and was a long-term, involved cheer mom for Ridge High School Varsity & Competition Cheerleading teams.
"Lori was a champion for so many. She sang & danced through life with her family and friends... a social butterfly and lively partner-in-fun," according to her obituary.
Her final battle with cancer was when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of uterine sarcoma in April 2024.
"Lori fought so, so hard, with remarkable strength and admirable courage," according to her obituary.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 in the sanctuary at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church (45 Church St, Liberty Corner), with a light reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
The Kennedy Family has a GoFundMe fundraising website set up to support medical and daily living expenses. For more information or to donate click here.
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