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Lorraine Leary Obituary
40 year Sonoma County resident Lorraine Palmer Leary died August 11, 2020, with her loving husband, Thomas by her side.
Lori was born September 11, 1952 in San Mateo, CA to John and Carolyn Palmer. She and Tom were married in October 1971 in Portola Valley, CA. She moved to Sebastopol, CA in 1980 and raised her two children there, before retiring in Cloverdale in 2015.
Lori is survived in death by her devoted husband Tom, her two loving children Erik (Jessica) and Lisa (Django), her six grandchildren, who were the light of her life; Kyle, Tyler, Ryder, Allyson, Andon, and Myla.
She is also survived by her parents, John and Carolyn, her sister Lisa, and brothers, Art and John, as well as many very special nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother Steven.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lorraine Leary
Nancy and Paul
September 10, 2023
Lori and Tom are an integral part of my life. She was so beautiful inside and outside, almost ethereal . Great friend and sense of life and humor. She is much missed to this day and beyond. All our love to Tom and family. Gone to soon ... Nancy Dulik Feldman
Beatrice (guethling)(hudson) chandler
April 20, 2021
You are a beautiful person A wonderful wife and a person to respect.
Kathy Segel Denier
October 14, 2020
I was so shocked to hear of Lori’s passing.. she and i were long time classmates from Hoover Elementary through Mills high school. I remember having play dates at her house when we were little. She was a wonderful person who was beautiful on the outside as well as the inside! I always admired Lori.. my condolences to her husnand and family. Love kathy Segel Denier
Josephine
October 5, 2020
Lori and I were friends for all the years that my family and I lived on Easton Dr in Burlingame. She lived 2 blocks down and 1 block up from me. We used to hang out with Vicki, Scott, and Tony. She was so much fun. Her parents always had their door open for her friends. When I was dating Bruce Gleason she was dating Tom. We double dated a lot. She will be missed. But, heaven has another bright star. I will see you on the other side of the bridge my friend.
Kathy Anderson Smith
October 5, 2020
When we moved to Burlingame and I the new kid at Hoover's third grade, Lori was the one who welcomed me and paved my way to fit in. She was the most popular girl in school from elementary through high school for good reason. I saw her at our last high school reunion. Time never dimmed her exceptional beauty, or warm hearted, kind, and graceful personality. My deep condolences to Tom, her family, and grieving friends. This is one classy lady who will be sorely missed.
John Hans Gilderbloom
October 4, 2020
John Gilderbloom
I think Lori Palmer from birth to death was just beautiful. She had a great heart, mind, and soul. Lots of beautiful women tend to be difficult, mean, and rude; but Lori was the whole package: sweet, polite, smart and eye popping beautiful. I have a picture of her with me and Bill Bacon and Kathy Segal in first grade and she just stood out. Lori was always sweet and every guy at Hoover, BIS, and Mills wanted her as a girlfriend. One time in 7th grade she and the late Donna Kelly decided that Dennis Leung and I would make good boyfriends. So for 10 days I was Lori's boyfriend which mean getting her a ring at the dime store on Broadway. My memory is fuzzy but I think I bearly got to first base with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. Then Dennis Leung wanted Lori as a gf and so they decided I would be reassigned to gorgeous Donna Kelly also a remarkable woman. I think that lasted another ten days with older guys elbowing us out. I think romance in 7 th grade is a bit awkard and clumsy. Anyway, she never lost her beauty and spirit. We were Facebook friends and worked supported Obama for President. I always had a top ten list of people I wanted to see at the high school reunion and she was always on that list. Anyway, I am truly sad that Lori is gone and you can see from the comments that everyone loved Lori--kind, generous, gorgeous, sweet and principled. A great Mom, wife and grandmother. I like what Greg L. said that heaven will be a little brighter. My sympathy to her 51 year marriage to her husband, (Tom), children, and grandchildren. Peace, love, and hope, John Hans Gilderbloom
PS I will honor her wish and plant trees in her honor in Santa Rosa her adopted hometown whereshe raised her children.
Robert Beede
October 3, 2020
I am very saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. She was a very popular and attractive classmate at Mills High School. I greatly enjoyed my visit with her at what I believe was our 40th Reunion at the El Rancho Hotel in Millbrae. I offer my sincere condolences in the loss of your beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter. I will remember Lori for her vivacious smile and exuberance! In Fond Remembrance, Bob Beede, Mills HS Class of 1970
Susan McMurray
September 8, 2020
Dear Tom and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Lori one time and she couldn’t have been more gracious serving up margaritas after I managed to get caught in the ocean rocks near your vacation spot in Turtle Bay Hawaii and you guys helping me escape. She didn’t waste anytime inviting us over to calm me down and have some fun. Prayers & blessings to you Tom, take care.
Matt Soderer
August 28, 2020
Tom, so very sorry to hear news of Lori passing. I only met Lori a few times the most memorable being the day we picked up at your house Ally, our family Pug puppy. Lori was as excited to see our ten year old Claire get her first dog as Claire was. Our thoughts are with you and your family my friend.
Matt Soderer
August 28, 2020
Tom, so very sorry to hear about Lori passing. I only spent time with her a few times one being the day we picked up our family Pug Ally. Lori glowed with personality and was as excited to see our ten year old Claire get her first dog as Claire was getting Ally.
Thinking of you and your family my friend.
Bill Nutting
August 27, 2020
Tom
Sorry to hear about Lori. Out hearts go out to you and your family.
Kathy & Bill Nutting
Jeffrey Benson
August 17, 2020
Tom,
Sad to read of your wife Lori passing. Been a number of year but always remember her striking beauty and happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish the memories
Old friend.
Jeff Benson
Jennifer Dippe
August 16, 2020
So sad to hear, she was an amazing woman, caring and kind.
God bless Tom, Lisa and family.
Sandy and Greg Holder (old friends)
August 15, 2020
Tom,
So sad to read about Lori. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We'll be thinking of you as you heal.
Mike & Lana Fennell
August 15, 2020
She was always a kind and friendly neighbor that is gone way too soon. We and our entire community will miss her.
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