Cathryn Venetta Lore

Cathryn Venetta Lore passed away on February 22, 2026, at her home in Gilbert, Arizona, at the age of 77.

Cathryn was a force of nature--strong-willed, sharp-witted, ruthless in her love for friends and family, and deeply compassionate to those for whom she cared. Her charisma, generosity, and unmatched sense of humor cultivated a network of wonderful people worldwide. Guided by fierce intelligence and exceptional courage, she lived a life defined by adventure, achievement, and-perhaps most of all-fun.

Born in Canada, raised in Wisconsin, and later making her home in Arizona, Cathryn devoted her life to public service. After graduating with a Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University in 1985, she built a long and meaningful career serving in management and leadership positions in non-profit agencies and at the Arizona State Juvenile Justice Commission. After leaving public service, her business, Lore and Associates, was known for program evaluation, program planning, and grant development for many Arizona human services agencies and organizations.

A dyed-in-the-blue Democrat, she tirelessly advocated for the rights and dignity of those less fortunate. She had a deep and abiding love for animals, dedicating time and care to making the lives of many dogs and cats happier, safer, and full of love.

Cathryn is preceded in death by her parents, Burt and Marjorie Lore, and by two beloved husbands—John Morgali, 2017 and Don McGuire, 2022.

Cathryn is survived by her sister, Jody Lilley (née Lore), and brother-in-law, Pat Lilley; her nephew, Nathan Lilley; her stepson, John Morgali Jr., his partner, Waverly, and their son, Darius; as well as a panoply of cherished family and friends.

There isn't enough digital ink on the Internet to cover her many accomplishments, friendships, and hilarious stories she leaves in her wake, but let's do our best by sharing some of our favorite memories of Cathryn in the comments below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.aspca.org/.