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Dolores "Lori" Lynn Souza
1967 - 2025
BORN
1967
DIED
2025
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Dolores "Lori" Souza Obituary
August 9, 1967 - August 7, 2025
Atwater, California - Dolores "Lori" Lynn Souza, age 57, passed on August 7, 2025 - just two days shy of her 58th birthday - in Miami, Florida while on vacation, after courageously battling breast cancer for three and a half years.
Born on August 9, 1967, in Merced, California, Lori lived a life of deep purpose, service, and compassion. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Lori continued her dedication to others through her longtime career as a beloved middle school math and science teacher at Winton Middle School in Winton, CA. She also coached the girls' basketball team, mentoring young athletes with the same energy and kindness she brought into every part of her life.
Lori was a passionate crafter, a loyal advocate for veterans, and never met a stranger she didn't befriend. She brought a warm smile and open heart wherever she went, effortlessly forming connections and uplifting those around her. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in her community, Lori's strength, humor, and generosity made a lasting impact.
She is survived by her children, Ryan Lorenz and Haley Lorenz; her father, Alfred Souza, and her mom, Kathy Souza; her siblings, Brandon Souza and Tammy Mechanic; and her cherished pets, Meelah the Yorkie and Lilly the cockatoo. She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Vaughn, and her brother, Freddy Souza.
Lori was a proud member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, continually working to support her fellow service members.
A viewing and service to honor Lori's life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 Winton Way, Atwater, CA 95301. The viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Lori are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Dolores "Lori" Souza
Aug
30
Memories and Condolences
for Dolores "Lori" Souza
7 Entries
The Staff of Wilson Family Chapel
August 20, 2025
The Staff and Wilson Family Chapel wishes to extend their sympathy and their assistance for this time of need.
Joy
August 20, 2025
Lori we will see you again one day! Loved your laugh! Her strength is one that only a true service woman could have. She was an amazing teacher and all the teachers that know you said she can´t be replaced! Your kiddos of many will forever remember how she touched their lives! Looking at all the many many cards and pictures that you had lined all over your house from them! She is missed by many! She kept the people around her always so busy learning new things! She taught us how to do Diamond Dots! Which she loved! She was taught by her mom! Her energy of Life was earth moving! I do feel so Blessed to have known her! One of the Golden Girls! Forever and ever in our hearts !
Cristina Suh
August 20, 2025
I´ve known Lorie for 17 years.
Our oldest kids were in high school together, and thankfully they are still best friends. Loving and carrying mom, with a great heart and a great sense of humor. Our last fun together was a week long cruise. She was so happy to go on a boat ride, having a cold beer on the deck, enjoying the cancer free days.
Rest in peace beautiful friend, you will be missed.
Daniel Garcia
August 20, 2025
I am deeply saddened to learn of Lori's passing. She was truly one of those rare souls who had the remarkable gift of brightening every room she entered. Lori's sweet and kind heart touched so many lives, and her genuine warmth was something you could feel the moment you met her. Whether it was through her infectious smile, her thoughtful words, or simply her presence, she had this wonderful ability to lift spirits and bring joy to others, even on the most difficult days. Her amazing spirit and the way she always put smiles on our faces will be something I'll treasure forever. The world feels a little less bright without her light, but the memories of her kindness and the happiness she brought to all of us will continue to live on in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
TERESA BIGELOW
August 20, 2025
Lorie and I met at my art studio in a paint nite. Little did I know she would become my best friend and we stayed up many times til 1-2 am painting and having girl time. Then she was there for me when I closed my studio and help me through tough times with a smile and hope for something better to do. Our friendship grew deep and we shared a lot of memories and daily life included the day she was told she had cancer. As I tried helping her as much as possible through this journey it broke my heart as she faced each situation with a syringe will to fight and not give up! And she never did! I will ask way love and admire her strength and positive attitude. She will be miss so badly by me as well as others who were there for her. loving you always my bestie!
Monica D Acuna
August 20, 2025
Lori became a friend to me as I helped with her care. She was a joy to be around. Im so grateful to have been apart of her life.. I will miss her dearly.
Nate
August 20, 2025
I love you cuzzo!!! I will forever miss you! Thank you for always being there for me and never giving up on me in my worst of times.you are a true hero and one can only wish to have the strength and courage that you had.say hi to dad for me uhh.keep those mountains blue cuzzo, cus we'll have a lot to catch up on when I get there!!
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