Obituary of Lori Jean Kaplanis

July 16, 1969 - Thunder Bay, Ontario

December 13, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Ms. Lori Jean Kaplanis, born July 16, 1969, suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on December 7, 2022. She passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at the young age of 53. 

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Lori attended St. Ann, St. John, and St. Vincent Catholic schools, then Agnew H. Johnston elementary school, before attending Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute in her high school years. Lori then graduated from Confederation College, earning her RN Certification in nursing. She made her family so proud when she embarked on her career in nursing. Lori’s nursing career took her to the United States, where she worked in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. She was the most caring and nurturing person, passionate about her job. Therefore, her loving nature made her a perfect fit for St. Jude Sick Kids hospital in Memphis, TN, where she lovingly cared for children suffering from terminal illnesses. Understandably, this took a heavy toll on Lori’s spirit and emotional health at times. Eventually Lori worked her way back to Canada where she settled in Calgary, Alberta.

Her family in Thunder Bay were always excited for her return visits during the summertime. Fondest memories are of Lori at the family cottage at Silver Islet and at family dinners, that consisted of lots of laughs, good food and refreshments at brother John’s home with his family. Auntie Lori was especially proud of her niece Ashleigh and nephew Matthew. Lori would spend a week or two in Thunder Bay, doing crafts with her mother at the cottage, spending time with her niece and nephew, and enjoying Mom’s good cooking. After she recharged her inner battery and spirit, she would leave again for new adventures. Lori was free-spirited and fearless.

While always remaining close to her family in Thunder Bay, Lori developed a passion for fly fishing on the Bow River and camping in the mountains of Alberta. Calgary became her home. There she met and resided with her fishing partner for life, Ken Kittler. Lori also loved her Kitty’s. They were her babies. Her Tazz, Toot, and Nani will miss their Momma dearly. Lori’s fondness for animals and nature will always be remembered and cherished. Lori regularly took in new “rescue” cats. The more pathetic and wounded of them, the better, because she wanted to provide these little furry creatures with truly royal care. And from her they received it. True to her character, Lori would never hurt a flea. She loved all animals and birds, and there is no doubt if she had not become a nurse, that she would likely have gone into the veterinarian or animal rescue business.

Since her passing, so many of her old friends have reconnected with her family and they all recount stories of how Lori helped them at one or more times in their life. She was always up for getting dolled up and putting some lipstick on to go out for some fun with her girlfriends. Some of whom have recounted times that Lori was there for them to pick them up after a bad breakup, or just to cheer them up during hard times. Lori was so loving and generous. Lori had an incredible and even naughty sense of humour that would have you rolling on the floor laughing when she got started. The material trappings of life were of no concern or value to Lori. She lived for the day in front of her and seldom ever looked behind her. She fully lived her life on her own terms.

Again, true to Lori’s character and heart, this past summer she dropped everything in Calgary and returned to Thunder Bay to assist when her mother was admitted to the Regional Hospital for Chemo treatment. To say that the initial days in the E.R. for her mother were tortuous would be an understatement, but Lori immediately flew to Thunder Bay, to take charge at the hospital to provide much-needed relief to her father and brother of that role. She endured a difficult experience there with her mother, even sleeping on the floor beside her, and never leaving her side. But because of Lori, the family was able to reload and reposition for the long fight to come with Mom’s cancer diagnosis. Lori provided them with the respite care needed, getting Mom well enough to leave the hospital to continue her care at home.

Lori is survived by her partner Ken Kittler, parents Robert and Margaret; brother John (Donna), niece Ashleigh, and nephew Matthew. She is also survived by numerous friends in Thunder Bay and Calgary, and her extended family in Thunder Bay.

Lori’s infectious smile, uncontrollable laughter, and loving nature will be painfully missed.

Rest in peace our baby girl. We love you and miss you.

Love, Mom and Dad, John (Donna), Matthew, Ashleigh and Ken, and the Kitty’s.

Cremation services will take place in Calgary. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Humane Society, 851 Industrial Avenue, Suite M100, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4L3, 613-224-8072, https://humanecanada.ca/, or an animal rescue charity of your choice. 

In living memory of Lori Kaplanis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.