In early July, the Sioux City Knights lost one of it’s founding members, Lori Emery. We were all deeply saddened to hear of Lori’s passing and extend our deepest sympathies & condolences to her daughter Andrea, husband Dan & the whole Emery family.
Lori’s obituary is below:
Today, with grace and determined to the very end, Lori Emery lost her battle with cancer.
Lori was incredibly dedicated to her family, and leaves behind her husband, Daniel Emery; son Robert Emery; daughters, Tracy Simoneau and Andrea Emery; sisters, Ruth Krantz and Lynne Eckert; aunt Andrea Prince; two grandchildren, Josephine and William, and many in-laws and nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her father, Jim Lapham; her mother, Valerie McKnight; her grandmother, Virginia Jacobs; her brother, Jim Lapham, Jr.; and her son, Alexander Emery.
It is hard to sum up Lori’s life in words. Lori was passionate about serving others, was a fierce advocate in the special needs community, and made friends wherever she went. Over the years she was actively involved in the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Coppell Special Olympic, Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, the Sioux City Knight Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland, the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley, and Miss Amazing. In later years she found kinship in the local theater companies including the Sioux City Community Theater, the Salem Theater, and the Hopewell Theater. Lori was quick to thank others by sending notes, give gifts, and baking her signature brownies. She loved to cook and she made a mean lasagna. She enjoyed spending time with her family, volunteering for numerous charities, crafting, gardening, playing tennis, bowling, puzzles of all kinds, going to the beach, and had a soft spot for donkeys. She loved being a mom and was proud to be a “fun” grandma.
Lori was a positive voice to many going through challenging times or personal struggles. And although she didn’t stay in any one place for too long, she collected life-long friends that she kept in touch with regularly. She enjoyed encouraging others and sharing her positivity in all situations, including her battle with cancer.
Her loss is profoundly felt by many. In lieu of flowers please consider sending donations to the Sioux City Knights (or your local Special Olympic chapter), the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley (DSAV), or your local community theater.
Sioux City Knights Special Olympics
PO Box 1055 Sioux City, IA 51102
DSAV
945 Boardman Canfield Rd. Suite 12, Boardman, OH 44512