Lorna Darlene Landis, born Lorna Darlene Parry, descended December 1st 1957 and ascended June 11th 2024, was an incomparable and devoted mother, beloved sister, cherished friend, new grandmother, and fixture in the Arlington, VA and SoCal communities.
She served as an example to all who honor justice, peace, and the American way. Committed to the principle of making a positive impact, imparted by the influence of her incredible parents, the late Thomas Dee Parry and late Bonnie Virginia Holt Parry.
Lorna committed her life to self-sacrifice, community service, and family. Arriving to the east coast in the 1980’s to make a new life and support her eldest brother, the late Thomas Dee Parry, Jr., upon the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan and the appointment of Senator Orin Hatch, she encountered her husband, Mark Landis, as a bookkeeper at a time-honored hotspot in our nation’s capital. They began a three-decade marriage, resulting in the births of three remarkable children, who came to love and uphold the same values she stood for.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious George Mason University, she served as a teacher and assistant to the Arlington County School System and Super Intendant—par for the course, as her father was a reputable academic and Assistant Super Intendant of the Los Angeles Public School system, in one of the most defining times in the 20th Century.
Lorna, who adamantly preferred the name, “Lori,” was a proud San Fernando Valley Girl “for sure”, and embodied the values of generosity, gratitude for what you have, and giving it your all— exemplified by her lessons, speeches, and participation in cheerleading, dance, sports, film, and theater—as well as community development. She was an incredible pool player and a life-long fan of music and performance art—spanning from Broadway and Rodgers and Hammerstein—to Rock n’ Roll, Pop, Elton John, and all things Disney.
As a devout member of her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and administrator, she worked tirelessly to shape the minds of the youth inside and out of her congregation— relentlessly striving to inspire and advocate for those in need— successfully championing the achievement of potential for the haves and have-nots. To say the least, if it was not for her, so many souls could have been lost—a direct testimony of so many she has touched along her journey. Lori served as an example and allegory to all, many of whom were not biologically related, but endearingly referred to her as “Thorn”, “Mama Dukes”, “Mama”, “Mom”, “mamasita”, and their “Second Mother”.
Survived by her brother, Richard Parry, and sister, Carole Nelson; her children, Kathryn Flynn, Mark Landis, Jr., and Melissa Landis; Son In Law, Sean Flynn, and Daughter In Law, Cameron Landis; Granddaughter Pierson Landis; Grand pups Bundy, Frankie, and Macon—her tenacity, vigor, and magnanimous spirit will forever live on.
On June 11th, a bright light and blessing to the earth may have been physically extinguished, but the impact and love for all she encountered will never be forgotten. Let it be known that a life was lived well and may she forever rest in peace.
The Landis and Parry families will be celebrating her incredible journey at The Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary located in Hollywood, CA on July 19th, 2024 from 11:00-2:00PM PST.
Additionally, the family will being hosting a reception at Vitello’s Restaurant, located at 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604 from 2:00PM-6:00PM following the dedication of the grave. All are welcome to join and help celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe to celebrate the life of Lori has been set up in her name. To donate follow the link below.
https://gofund.me/7c1f61dd
