Laura A. "Lori" O'Donnell

Laura A. "Lori" O'Donnell obituary, New Carlisle, IN

Laura A. "Lori" O'Donnell

Laura O'Donnell Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend on Feb. 12, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Laura (Lori) Ann O'Donnell (née Lubawy), 59, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on February 7, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ann Marie Davis and Ray Gerald Lubawy. She is survived by her beloved children, Katherine Heckman (Daniel), Colleen O'Donnell (Jackson Bubala), and Liam O'Donnell. She was a cherished sister to Ray Davis, Michelle Niemier (née Davis), and honorary sister since college, Beth Lundwall (née DeCrick). Proud "Lolo" to Jack and Vivienne Heckman, and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Fiercely supported by her stepfather James (Jim) Davis.
Lori's greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. A proud and passionate supporter of her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, she graduated in 1987 with a degree in marketing. She built a successful career in the metals industry, holding various sales and supply chain roles, while also taking time off to focus on being a devoted stay-at-home mom.
Lori had a deep love for her dogs, Annie (reunited in heaven) and Scarlett. She loved taking long walks and was rarely without a good book in hand, a passion that led her to volunteer with Friends of the Library of Elkhart. A lifelong Catholic, her faith was a source of strength and comfort. She was an active volunteer at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, of Elkhart, a reflection of her commitment to community service and Christianity.
Kindness and compassion were the values guiding her daily life. For those many friends who meant so much, may you remember to be kind to yourself and others.
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on 2/19 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, of Elkhart, with a funeral mass to follow at 11 a.m.
Those who wish to make a memorial gift are encouraged to choose your local library where your gift will help others continue their love for a good book, or your local animal shelter to help pets in need.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Laura "Lori" A. (Lubawy) O'Donnell, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Laura's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Laura O'Donnell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Laura O'Donnell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?