This photograph captures the essence of a cherished connection — from the first time I met Lori in person at a work picnic to one of our last moments together at her retirement party. From the very beginning, she welcomed me with open arms, reflecting the warmth, generosity, and genuine kindness that defined her spirit.

Lori’s presence was a true gift, and her memory will always serve as a source of comfort and inspiration.

I am deeply grateful to work with Britt, who embodies many of the beautiful qualities her mother represented — kindness, strength, and a generous spirit that brightens the lives of those around her.

This photo, taken at Lori’s retirement party on July 18, 2023, beautifully captures the warmth, connection, and central role she held within our administrative team. 

Since joining the University of Michigan’s Department of Cell and Developmental Biology in 2002, Lori dedicated over two decades to her work — not only through her professionalism but through the kindness, empathy, and steady support she offered to everyone around her.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, and she will remain forever in our hearts.

To Lori's Family,
I want to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Lori was a beautiful soul, and I can attest to the fact that Lori's love, care, and generosity extended far beyond her family. Two poignant memories come to mind during my time as a UM CDB graduate student. One year, my friends insisted we take a group photo in front of the dept Christmas tree wearing Christmas sweaters. Lori walked by and overheard me voicing my strong opposition to spending what little money I had on a Christmas sweater for a single photo op. The following week Lori purchased the cutest holiday sweater with an alpaca knitted on the front as a gift for me to use for the photo and beyond. Every time I wear it during the holidays, I think of her. During the COVID stay at home period, I was concerned about being able to reside comfortably in my apt on north campus with no A/C during the hot/humid summer months. I inquired about University resources to assist in getting a portable A/C unit, but to no avail. Upon hearing of my plight, Lori contacted me and used her own money to assist me with purchasing an A/C unit for my apt. Lori was a jewel to CDB and everyone who had the fortune of being graced by her presence. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

Dear Brittney and Family, 
I was so very sorry to hear about your Mom's illness and passing. Please accept my sincere condolences for your devastating loss. I had the pleasure of working
 with Lori for many years at UM. I considered her one of the GREAT ones. She gave 100%+ everyday to her position in CDB, always professional, helpful, kind and always with a smile. I will never forget her. She will be missed by so many.  Sending my Love and Prayers to your family.
Becky Pintar (Hoochie)

You guys are in our thoughts and prayers, Tim. So sad that everyone is having to go through this. So thankful that you and your mom had such a wonderful relationship!

Rob G

Lori was the perfect balance of professionalism and personality. From my very first interaction with her when she was arranging my interview visit, through to her retirement, Lori was so incredibly helpful, supportive, and fun. She made coming to work fun. 

Her aura still permeates the department. We are all better for having shared a part of our short time on earth with her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Our love and condolences go out to Lori's family. May you feel surrounded by love and strength during this difficult time. I cherish the many fond memories of Lori, Britt, and Tim. Growing up in the same neighborhood in Canton brought us countless joyful moments—playdates, swimming in our pool, summer vacation in Pentwater, Mac Dune rides, and time spent with the Canton Lions. Your mom always had the magical touch when it came to French braids for Katie's hair. She will always be in our thoughts, and we are praying for your family. Lori loved her family so much.

Love John,  Nancy, Sean, Kaitlin Downey

To my dear friend Lori. It is so clear that you stole the heart of Many people that you touched in your life time!! The outpour of Love is astounding!! My heart breaks that we didn't get to cherish our friendship more!! Way more!! I'm so grateful for the phone call from our dear friend Lynn so I could come visit you one last time before you left us all!! Just know that I will forever cherish our friendship. And I will always love you. Hold you in the highest regard!!I will never forget you!! Fly high my dear friend!! Until we meet again!! I love you always Karen Also to your family!! I'm so very sorry for your tragic loss 🙏 of daughter, spouse, mother, sister, Grandma, friend!! May your fond memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time!! I pray 🙏 Lori show's you sign's that she's still watching over you!!

What an honor and a privilege to be Lori’s friend.  
Her beauty and kindness radiated from within. To Ed, Brittany, Tim, Timothy, Hudson, and Ella—remember that her spirit and beauty will always shine through all of you.
My heart is broken.
Lori will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever cherished.

Dear Brittney and Family,

I offer my sincerest condolences for the loss of your beautiful mother. Lori was such an integral part of CDB not just for all that she did as an administrator but for the light that she carried with her every time she walked our halls. I know that you will miss her dearly but remember that  her light will always be with you <3

Lori was someone who taught me that no matter how hard you work you need to make time for fun and family. No matter what time I arrived to work she was always there first with a smile and letting me know about either how her fishing trip went or how she was headed up to Mackinaw Island for the weekend. Her family and grand kids were her always her first priority . She was a go getter and always on the ball and might I say fashionably as well . I hope to be at her level one day . Love you Lori!

Lori was the first co-worker I met at UM and what's interesting is that she didn't have to say a word and I already knew what a special person she was - her smile said it all. Over the 20 years we worked together, we bonded and became fast friends. I remember so many fun moments - mostly of us laughing so hard until we cried! Lori's gift to all of us was her friendliness, caring nature and her love. I love you and will miss you forever my sweetest friend.

To Lori’s Family
Our deepest love and condolences go out to Lori’s family. May you feel surrounded by the same love, strength, and light that Lori gave to all of us.
To know Lori was to experience joy, laughter, and fierce loyalty. She lived boldly—taking spontaneous leaps into the ocean, speaking her mind with love and humor, and lighting up every room she entered.
Lori had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and included. She was beautiful inside and out—funny, fearless, kind, and endlessly generous. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone she’d just met, she made you feel like family.
Though our hearts are heavy, we know Lori would insist we carry on with joy and purpose. So we will honor her by living as she did—fully, bravely, and with lots of laughter.
Sending love, 
Greg and Karen Lang

Lori was missed dearly after her retirement from CDB.  It seemed like she knew everyone and had connections across the entire university.  If you needed help, she'd help.  She didn't boast about it, even when she used her own money to help out a grad student; she just did it.  

Lori was loved by many and will be missed by all of us!

Dear family,

I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you all. 

I had the pleasure of working alongside Lori for a couple of years on the CDB administrative team. Her office cubicle was across from mine, and I remember she always made sure to check in and share stories with me.  She felt like a mom to me (and many others!) which was so nice, especially living so far away from my own mom. She loved nothing more in this world than her family, and we often talked about her grandchildren and my own small children. I remember one hot summer day we were talking about popsicles, and the next week I found a popsicle maker on my desk so I could make my own for my kiddos. I still think of her every time we make popsicles! This is just one small example of how thoughtful and generous Lori was.  We shared many laughs, and I knew I could always count on her if I needed help putting out a "fire". 

Warmly,
Jackie

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this most difficult time.

I will never forget the day Francine hired Lori for me as the new chairs' assistant. She came in like an eager puppy, willing to do anything and everything to please, and she did as we worked together to rebuild an almost defunct department into a vibrant research force in UMMS. Lori picked up dry cleaning (on occasion) for me when I was recruiting new faculty or entertaining a particularly important seminar guest, and on more than one occasion she drove to the airport to chauffeur a really important guest back to campus when I could not. All of this is to say that Lori was my alter ego in situations requiring my presence, and more than one of the new faculty hired between 2003 and 2013 can attest to Lori's unflagging support of CDB and commitment to our eventual success in faculty and graduate student recruiting and  in applications to the NIH and other agencies for research funding. 
One anecdote I'll share is that Lori and I both smoked cigarettes when I moved to UM, but I finally kicked the habit in 2006 in a mutual pact we agreed upon to quit. I quit cold turkey, but Lori still lit up a fag every so often after I had stopped, and I remember vividly walking into her office when she would go outside for a few minutes of "fresh air", after she had clearly partaken of the forbidden weed; I would walk up behind her at her desk and smell her hair to get even a weak hit of nicotine. Thinking about it retrospectively it could have been construed as a bit creepy, but our bond of friendship was sufficiently strong that it could never have been mistaken for anything inappropriate.
For over a decade Lori was my rock, always supportive and frequently covering for my mistakes. She made momentous decisions for numerous contributions to CDB and UMMS, as many of our faculty can attest, and I will always have a hole in my heart for her that no one else could possibly fill.

I already miss you my beautiful friend!  You were beautiful inside and out; caring, thoughtful, giving, selfless, and a ton of fun to be with. I loved to see you smile from ear to ear when talking about your family and grand babies!  Love you ❤️

To Lori's family,

I just wanted to share my deepest sympathy on Lori's passing. 

I first met Lori in 2008 when I was interviewing for a faculty position at UM. I still remember sharing my interview schedule with my faculty advisor, and they commented on how impressive the Administrator must be who assembled the schedule– of course, I did not yet realize just how impressive this future colleague would be!

Some of my most vivid memories of Lori are through the help she provided to arrange successful visits to UM for myself,  my wife, my two  small children, and my mother-in-law.  The care she demonstrated for my family's happiness and well-being was unparalleled, and made a huge impact on me and my family.

Of course, many of my other memories are through the small interactions that I had with Lori (reminding me, gently, but firmly of outstanding tasks I had to complete; just stopping by my office to say hello and see how I was doing; sharing exciting moments from her own life). 

And, I do not mean to ignore the big moments either (like helping a naive Assistant Professor host an international symposium at UM, or helping a slightly less naive Assistant Professor get promoted).  

Lori has been an integral part of my personal and professional life for the past 16 years. I tried to tell her how much I appreciated everything she did for me in the moment, but I still wish I had said it more often and done more to show my appreciation. She is greatly missed.

My family will continue to keep your family in our thoughts during this sad time.

Lori, Eddie, Britt and Tim were our neighbors on Curtis Road. They welcomed us to the neighborhood before we even moved in and they generously invited us to keep our horses in their barn until we could get one built! Lori even fed the horses before she went to work while they lived there, she really did love animals, and our horses loved her right back!

Our deepest condolences to Eddie, Britt and Tim, we are so very sorry for your loss...

Love and hugs from Raini, Mark, Ryan & Amanda

Dear Brittney and family,

I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Lori’s passing. Lori was a beloved and constant presence in our department for so many decades. I have known her since my time as a graduate student, and throughout the years, she always greeted everyone with the same warm smile. She was consistently kind, thoughtful, and adored by all who knew her. I am grateful that we have Brittney in our department, who carries forward so many of the same beautiful qualities as her mother. Lori was so excited about her retirement and looked forward to spending her time with her grandchildren and family. It is heartbreaking to learn of the suffering she endured over the past few years—she was truly a brave and resilient soul. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to know her.

Love,
Swathi

Dear Britt & family,

So sorry to learn of the passing of your Mom. Lori was a guiding light in the CDB Department for almost my entire career at U-of-M, until she retired. She kept the department running smoothly and efficiently with a firm but gentle hand. More importantly, she truly cared about the well-being of everyone in the department, its staff, students, postdocs, and faculty. She was a fantastic role model for all. I am so thankful that I was able to work with her for so many years and know her well. She will be sorely missed but remembered by all of us in CDB who had the pleasure of being her colleague and friend. Such a sad time… So sorry for your devastating loss.

Lori will always be in my heart. She welcomed me to my new position in CDB and was kind and patient while training me. I knew instantly that I had the biggest shoes to fill and that no matter how hard I tried, what Lori did for that department could never be matched. She became an instant friend. I felt privileged to get text messages from her! She would check in with me all the time. And not just about work. She genuinely cared about what was going on in my life and wanted to be there for support. That was Lori. She cared so deeply and always made people feel important. I'm so thankful I got to see her one last time a week before her passing. Even in her weakened state, she was asking how I was doing. Lori will be so missed by so many. I thank God I got to know that beautiful woman, if only for a short while.  I will never forget Lori. She will always be in my heart.

I'm very sorry to hear about Lori's passing. It is devastating and heartbreaking. As someone recently affiliated with CDB, I didn't have the chance to know her personally, but it was clear from the many messages shared within the department how extraordinary she was and how deeply her contributions were valued.  My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Brittney ,
So sorry to hear about your mom….so young… 
Always remember you coming to MBNI to get lunch and the cookies for your meeting…
You are in my thoughts…
Connie Devlin

Lori will be greatly missed❤️one of the most giving and thoughtful people I know. This was at Lori and Eddie’s place on the lake. Thank you for the memories ❤️❤️

In my more than 16 years at the University of Michigan, we had two department chairs and two interim chairs—but Lori was the constant, always there supporting the chairs and the department. She was truly the best administrator one could hope for: deeply caring, thoughtful, and meticulous in every detail, from planning events to supporting faculty. Her kindness and dedication touched so many of us, and I can imagine she was an extraordinary mother and grandmother as well. Her passing came as a shock, and I only wish I had the opportunity to tell her these things in person.

Lori was well-known for always going the extra mile in everything she did. For example, when I became interim chair, Lori helped me move into my new corner office, which was surrounded by windows in the beautiful BSRB building. Noticing that all the windows were dirty inside,  Lori decided to clean all of them while I was at a meeting. I was amazed at the difference! But Lori, never satisfied with anything except perfection, looked out the (now clean) east-facing window, which is fronted by a continuous “glass ribbon” window, and noted that the sills of that outside ribbon window were black with dirt. The next morning, as I entered the office, I found Lori emerging from a small access window with a bucket of Clorox. She had figured out how to open the access window, had stepped out onto the catwalk between the office window and the outside glass window and had cleaned all of the sills! A few days later, she brought me several beautiful plants to further decorate my new office, now a beautiful place to work and think!
     To say that Lori will be missed is an enormous understatement. Though she retired in 2023 (and sadly, became sick in the same year), she kept in touch regularly and kept us up to date on her exciting life with Ed, Brittany, Tim and the grandkids, whom she adored. When she became ill, she faced a dreadful two years of continuous suffering from a malady that, in the end, medical science could not properly diagnose or treat. But those who visited Lori at that time were amazed to see that, as she lay in a hospital bed, with yet another bag of platelets emptying into her arm, she was as positive and cheery and chatty as you can imagine. Her hair was done nicely, her nails painted, her earrings beautiful. She was one of the bravest people I have ever known. In short, Lori was an inspiration to all who knew her. I will miss her terribly.  With love, Deb Gumucio

At the Mirabitur Christmas Eve party. 2018.

Lori with a gathering of  the Mirabitur cousins. What a beautiful smile. 2019

I am sorry no memories it's been along time but you have my sincere condolences John Shandilis

Tom and I offer our sincere condolences to the entire family during this very sad and difficult time.  Lori was a beautiful, caring and loving friend. She will be deeply missed always by Tom and I.

Loved the time spent, a beautiful woman gone to soon. My deepest sympathy to her family & friends. Until we laugh together again, RIP Lori 🙏💔

After joining CDB as a junior faculty member, it quickly became clear to me that Lori was the real boss. She ran all major activities in the department and kept everyone in line, from the chair of the department to the students. At the same time, she was very kind; she looked out of everyone and went out of her way to help. Her support and kindness made a big difference in my career - she made CDB feel like a home to me. She always asked after me, made sure I didn't work too hard; and, every now and then, set some extra food aside for me  from departmental events :) She was like a mom to me. I miss Lori, and I am grateful that I got to work alongside her for so many years.

My deepest condolences to Lori's family.

Lori was a dear friend! I loved her so much.
I will miss her dearly. She made me a part of her lovely family. Her and Eddie were so loving and gracious to me. Rest in peace my dear friend💕🙏

Had lots of fun memories growing up with Brittney when they lived in Canton. Lots of fun memories at the Longeway’s house :) Lori always welcomed us over to her house with open arms and was so kind and treated us all like her own. She will be missed tremendously. Thinking of you Brittney, Timmy and Ed <3

OBITUARY

Lori Jean Mirabitur

October 28, 1961 – May 22, 2025

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services