Lori T. Goral

Lori T. Goral, 66, of Rockford, passed away early Sunday morning, August 24, 2025 with loved ones by her side after a courageous cancer battle. She was born on March 14, 1959, the second of four daughters to Richard "Dick" and Angela "Angie" (Gianquinto) Goral. Growing up on "The Hill", Lori was a 1977 graduate of West High School. She worked for Colorcraft for several years and has been with Rockford MELD @ YSN for over 25 years. In addition, she also worked part-time for many years at West-Mor Bowling Lanes and Schiro's Restaurant.

A compassionate, kind and gentle person, Lori loved all types of animals. It was no surprise that dogs (and sometimes cats) 'just followed her home' as she often explained to her parents. Lori's love of family was just as strong. She was always there to help no matter what was needed. She was excited when her niece and nephews got a little older so she would have a reason to go to Disney on Ice or Disney, Star Wars and Harry Potter movies, and she never missed one of their school events. Lori was thrilled when her great-nieces arrived – that meant more love to give and a reason to shop for toys!

Lori was an avid reader, enjoyed putting puzzles together, and was a collector of all things Hallmark. She loved playing board games - keeping a bag of them in her car in case we wanted to play during family gatherings. She loved spending weekends at the river with Burley – fishing and hanging out on the boat with family, friends and beloved dogs. She enjoyed all types of music. Her niece, Jessica, and nephews, Jeramie and Trey, remember car rides listening to "What A Wonderful World", "Kokomo", "Wipeout" and the soundtrack to "Quest for Camelot", and you could always find her dancing with her sisters to her brother-in-law Dan's and nephew Josh's bands. Lori was our family photographer, always capturing celebrations and family memories. And we can't forget that she was her Mom's number one tech support, always fixing never ending computer and phone issues.

Lori is survived by her mother, Angela Goral; her best friend and partner, Burley Johnson and his family; sisters, Jo Ann (Dan) Watson, Mary (Chuck Brents) Johnson, Linda (Joe) Craig-Ellis; her niece, Jessica (Bennie Oglesby) Watson; nephews, Joshua (Maggie) Watson, Jeramie Joseph, and Trey (Jennifer) Comins; and great-nieces, Sanaa, Moxie and Ruby. She is predeceased by her father, Richard Goral; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family would like to thank UW Carbone Cancer Center and Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and support. Special thanks to our family nurse, Linda for all of her loving help and guidance, and to Burley for taking care of Lori through her illness and always being by her side.

Please join us for a Celebration of Lori's Life on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, at the LLL Society, 1515 Ninth Street, Rockford, IL 61104.