Lori Udy passed away today, and though we all knew the severity of her situation, her passing comes as a shock, and leaves us wishing she might have been given one more day. And had such a precious gift been granted--a day free from pain-- it’s not hard to imagine what she would have done with it. She wasn’t one to squander time, and she lived her life putting first what matters most. Without question, one more day for Lori would have meant one more day with her husband, Steve and her children, Austin and Mikayla, hugging them, touching them, and telling them how much she loved them.
Though we wish we could, we cannot give her that day, but still there is something we can do, especially for Austin and Mikayla--we can tell her story. At the request of Lori’s parents, we are asking you to share with us at loriudy.com some of your memories of Lori. Whether you knew her well or not, if she touched your life, we’d like to hear it. Tell us what she taught you through the way she lived her life, or share something silly from her childhood. Tell us each happy, wonderful memory, because as you tell us, you will be telling Austin and Mikayla.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteOur prayers go out to you and you family. Lori is an inspiration to all of us.
John Nuccio & Family
Lori was a shooting star. Although there are other stars that burn longer not many burn so bright. Lori made you gasp and say "Oooohhh" as she lit up the sky, leaving you wanting to see more.
ReplyDeleteI will miss her.
Johnna Meek
What is it about certain people and their souls, that when they are confronted with tragic seem to gather all others within their reach and leave them with gifts? Gifts of love, inspiration, memories, the desire to be better and of course a legacy. What a magnificent woman!
ReplyDeleteYour family and all her friends are in our deepest prayers!
Eternally,
Frank & Mary Pirillo
Steve, Sue and Mike - Years ago in a different stake and state, there was an older man who had a rare progressive disease that slowly robbed him of the use of his muscles. His wife cared for him, but it was just too much for her to do alone. So, each of the wards in our stake had Melchizedek Priesthood sign up sheets where we each took time to care for this man. But, I mis-speak, for though we thought we were to care for him, as we served him, we were the ones blessed. Not only did we see in this man's eyes, the reflection of someone who had purified himself through the things that afflicted him, but during our time with him, we learned many things like how to face daily adversity with grace, and how to trust in God's love for us. Our time spent with him blessed us many times over.
ReplyDeleteLori has blessed so many of us in exactly the same way. I'm sure she was near perfect before her affliction. But, as she faced her trials and her body weakened, her immortal spirit became purer and stronger. You could see her greatness in her very countenance. I do not know of a more powerful speaker to youth than Lori. Her several times speaking to the Lakeland Stake Young Women at YW Camp went down into the hearts of the YW and leaders like fire. She taught the plain truths of making and keeping temple covenants, of the blessings of a good & worthy priesthood holder as an eternal companion - and how to face the adversities of life with good humor, perseverance, and absolute trust in the Lord.
I know the Lord provides to each of us those that are sent specifically to earth, not so much for them, but for the rest of us. As we watch them go through their trials, we see better how to face our own. Lori was one of those special people.
May the Lord bless and comfort you - until you meet again.
Karl and DeAnne Sweeney
Lori is one of the most inspiring women I've ever known. She had a heart of gold, a testimony of the gospel that inspired me each time I was near her and the voice of an angel. Lori was my inspiration for loving music and singing. She taught me piano lessons when I was only 8 years old and she was so patient with me when I was learning to sing. A couple of times we sang a duet in sacrament meeting...our first was "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man". I always looked up to Lori and thought she was an angel, because she was so beautiful and she could sing and play the piano so well. We spent spring break together when I was 16 and went to the beach (Lori, me & Stephanie) and had a blast together. That was the best spring break I ever had as a teenager. We actually got 2 flat tires and had to call her dad to help bail us out! The best Christmas I remember with Lori, Steve and their beautiful children was about 3 years ago. We went to Brenda Surpass's home and sang around a bonfire while roasting marshmallows. I cried when we got home and was in awe of how compassionate Lori was with my aches & pains and not concerned with her own. There hasn't been a day since then that I haven't thought about and prayed for Lori and her family. I am truly inspired by her and I love her so much. I will miss her tremendously. With all my love and prayers, Jessica Douberley Nelson and family.
ReplyDeleteI knew Lori through "Rejoice" the singing group that Lori participated in for a short time. Although I did not get to know her as well as I wanted to I remember how much she smiled when she talked about her family. She akways had a sparkle in her eyes. She amazed me with the strength she had and was always smiling. She had such a beautiful voice. I loved hearing her sing her solo in the song "this is the Christ" She was amazing. She was a true sweetheart and she always made me smile. I loved being able to have the opportunity to sing with her. She is someone I will never forget. I truly love her and know how much she loves you all.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Lakeland, Florida and attended the same congregation at church with Lori and her family. She was older than me by a few years and as littler kids do I idolized her. I had a passion for singing and she had the voice of an angel. She frequently performed solo numbers in church and I would cry as I listened. Often I would try to make my family sit in the bench behind hers so I could hear her beautiful voice during the hymns. She was always so sweet and kind. To top it off, Lori was GORGEOUS! I cannot tell you how many poor missionaries served in our ward who had to exert a lot of effort to keep their hearts locked with such a beauty around. I remember one elder from Hawaii even came back to visit her and court her - but she would have none of that. She was humble and down to earth, and she loved being close to family. It's nice to see that she had a wonderful family of her own and still got to live in Florida where she could be near her mom and dad.
ReplyDeleteI have wonderful memories of Lori and it pains me to know of the tragedy and trials she has faced. My heart goes out to her loved ones, who more than any of us know what a warm heart and deep love she had. And I am happy in the thought of her reunion with each of them, someday...
With much love,
Christine Cutler Sturgeon
Fargo, North Dakota
Lori was a loving and giving woman. She was on eof the best people I had ever known. She would always be there for you, even when her life was less then easy! She was an awesome friend and the best mom! She will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteSteve, Austin and Mikayla, you are in our prayers!
Love Denise and Brian McBride and family
Austin and Mikayla,
ReplyDeleteYou won't remember me, But your mama and I were friends for a few years. WE would go walking together and shopping. All kinds of fun things. We even taught Austin and Lundun(my 8 year old daughter) together at a preschool there on the Ranch. She was the best of women. Always smileing and helping others. She had the biggest heart. She was such a beautiful person both inside and out! She will be missed!
My family moved to Florida a few years ago and Lori wasted no time in welcoming us in. We were invited over to their house for a bbq and many more time after that. Lori was known as the ranch shopper. If anyone needed a fashion consultant they asked Lori for her advice . And she was always willing to help. She loved clothes and loved to shop. I am grateful for the time that I got to know Lori.
ReplyDeleteLove, Amy Shreeve
We moved to Florida a few years ago to the ranch and immediately {Steve &} Lori invited us over and welcomed us, and pretty much every Wednesday we all went to Lori's and let our kids play and we talked for hours, laughed shared thoughts and stories. Like Amy said too she was the fashion queen, knew how to have fun and laugh. She was a great mother, wife and friend.
ReplyDeleteLori was beautiful inside and out always kind, never complained. She was a strength to me while we were there at the ranch and an amazing example of accepting your trials and blessing every person around her with her smile and strength.
The first relief society enrichment I went to in Florida was Lori telling her story she touched my heart, made us cry and despite all she had been through she was always giving and reaching out to others. I am so grateful for the privileged to have met Lori and will forever be grateful for the things she taught me through her example in the few months I got to know her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Austin and Mikayla and both of there extended families.
Love, Darren and Christal Bevans
As I read Lori's story I realize what a blessing she has bestowed upon me and I've never truly met her. I attended the same high school as Lori and when I look back and remember seeing her, I see the sweet spirit that everyone speaks of. In life we all tend to take so much for granted, burying ourselves in our sorrows until someone or something shows us that life is so much more than ourselves or what we preceive as our sorrows. Lori's story has showed me just how truly blessed I am and how much more I should be involved in my community, and I thank God and her for this realizstion. My prayers and thoughts are with the Udy and Welch families. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteI, too met Lori through "Rejoice", a small singing group of LDS women from across Central Florida. She would often come to rehearsals after her doctor's appointments in downtown Orlando. I enjoyed singing and laughing with her as we learned the music. The best memory I have is when we sang at the Ellsworth Ward Enrichment meeting. We convinced her to sing a solo on "Thou Art The Christ." As she sang, and bore her testimony of the Savior through the song, there was not a dry eye in the audience or singing group. I will remember Lori for her cheerful attitude, her beautiful clear voice, and her strong testimony of the Savior. She was truly "not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ." Our thoughts and prayers are with you.. love, Becky Alexander and family
ReplyDeleteDearest Austin and Mikayla,
ReplyDeleteI was the only girl in my age group when I entered Young Women's so; it was a little awkward for me. Your Mom was one of the older girls who welcomed me. I enjoyed singing with your Mom and others in sacrament meetings. I often listened to your Mom's beautiful voice to help me stay on key. I cherish the many camp outs and fun youth activities we both attended over time. Sunday afternoons I often went to your Grandparents’ home to sing (Walk Tall You're A Daughter of God, The Rainbow Connection, etc...) while your Aunt Shannon or your Mom played the piano for us. I always felt loved by your family and the other youth that attended. The best part was your sweet Grandma's delicious deserts(Once your Grandma was my Sunday school teacher and she made me a beautiful pillow for my bed.) Your Mom was a lot like both of your sweet Grandparents, Brother and Sister Welch. You have such a very loving family. My heart and prayers are with you all this week and always.
I am very thankful for the treasured memories that I had with your Mom. As we get older life becomes more of a physical challenge, it's just part of life. Your Mom was so strong with such an amazing positive attitude during such difficult times… She is my personal example, reminding me to keep my chin up and be thankful, especially for the gift of precious time together. I look forward to the day I will see your Mom again, embrace her and thank her for being my friend. You Mom was an angel in life so, I believe that she will be with you always as your own personal guardian angel. May the Lord bless you both!
With love and blessings,
~Marilee Kline Meuzelaar
I was truly shocked and heartbroken when I received the news of Lori's passing today. She was my best friend growing up. She was the sister I never had and I do not have a childhood memory that she is not in. I have thought of her often and missed her much over the years. Wanting to get in touch. Now I regret more than ever that I didn't. My prayers go out to the Welch and Udy Families.
ReplyDeleteApril (Boyd)Summers and Family
I met Lori at a birthday party at Jennifer Borges's house and later at a silent auction. I was immedietly drawn to the peacefullness she exuberated. She was a beautiful person that loved her family and friends. I know she will be greatly missed...My prayers and thoughts are with her family in this moment of grief....
ReplyDeleteDEAR UDY FAMILY .... WE MEET LORY WHEN MY HUSBAND DENNIS CARO START WORKING FOR DESERET RANCH , SHE RECENTLY HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO AUSTIN. WE USE TO GO FOR WALKS IN THE MORNINGS AND WE TALK OF ALL KINDS OF THINGS. SHE INSPIRE ME ON WANTING TO BECOME A MOM . WE USE TO GO SHOPING TOGETHER (SHE LOVE OLD NAVY AND TARGET ) AND WE DEFENETLY NEEDED TO GET A LEMONADE FROM CHICK FILE IF THERE WAS ONE IN THAT AREA, SHE ALSO LOVE YANKEE CANDLES . SHE WAS FUNNY AND KIND BUT MOST OF ALL SHE WAS WAS ALWAYS THINKING IN HER FAMILY .I KNOW SHE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU IN YOUR HEARTS . SHE WAS SPECIAL , IT WAS A PRIVILAGE TO KNOW HER .MAY GOOD GRANT YOU SERENITY IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND HOPE YOU FIND PEACE ON KNOWING THAT SHE IS IN HEAVEN AND THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL MEET AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteWITH ALL OUR LOVE ,DENNIS , MADELYN AND ALEX CARO
Where do I start, the first time I went over to lori's house to drop something off we talked for a little bit but after I left she had called me later to do something and thats all it took. She became a good friend we hung out after that pretty much everyday Lori was so easy to become friends with she always liked to have fun she was the first to say lets do something of course we all know what that was (shopping)she was always smiling lauphing and always had great stories. I enjoyed Lori so much she made me lauph often and we always had great conversation I would love to tell Austin and Mckayla that your mom loved you so much she talked about you guys all the time infact the only thing that would make her cry threw this trial was not being able to touch you and give you hugs and kisses but i want you guys to know that the lord will always be there for you guys he will comfort you when you miss your mommy and she will be forever in your hearts kansas and Addi miss you guys alot if you ever come over to AZ. make sure you stop by I hope you guys can always remember to smile just as your mom always did. Steve are prayers are with you and your family Im so sorry for your loss. I hope you know that she loved you lots to
ReplyDeletelove Tori Carter
and family
Even though I did not see much of Lori over the years, she was always a person that you would never forget. I can remember when I was younger and growing up in the church around the Welch family. As a kid I secretly used to wish that my brother and Lori would be boyfriend and girlfriend and eventually one day marry:) I always that how cool it would be to have her as my sister-in-law and to have the Welch's be my family too.(And I mean no disrespect to my sister-in-law now, I love her very much)
ReplyDeleteWhenever Lori would sing in church I used to be so envious of her voice...it was beautiful. I couldn't carry a tune if I tried:) Even if she was singing a joyful, uplifting song..it always made me cry. It was like and angel was singing. I never knew how strong of person she was not only for herself, but to her family...even with everything that she was going through. And it was even more clear at her funeral, when a speaker read from portions of her journal to the people who attend the service in Ellsworth, FL. Lori you were a beautiful, strong, inspirational, giving, caring person and the list could go on. You will be truly missed, but definetly NOT forgotten. And I'm sure that your children will know just what a wonderful person and mother you were. I love you! And my love, thoughts and prayers go out to the Welch Family.
Love,
Kim Hancock
Lori is the dearest friend I have ever had. It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to speak at her memorial service.
ReplyDeleteI met Lori in the fall of 1996. My husband, Rafael, and I were newly married and had moved to Florida to start an optometry practice. While deciding where to open our practice, I was working temporarily at Vision Land in Melbourne. I had no idea I would meet someone who would have such a profound impact on my life. Not surprisingly, a friend of ours who worked with Lori told me about a pretty girl I would be working with. Initially, I made the same mistake so many people did when first meeting Lori. I measured her by her physical beauty. You know how groups of women are usually similar with regard to how pretty the are? I knew right away, I was way out of my league. Most of you will relate to the experience of discovering that her outer beauty was small in comparison with her other gifts.
Lori and I were fast friends. The store we worked in wasn't very busy so we had plenty of time to talk and play. She even taught me to line dance while we were supposed to be working. And it was there that I got my first glimpse of her wit. My favorit quote from those days was what she said when asked to get lunch for a visiting executive who had never so much as ackowledged Lori when passing her on the way into work every day. Without hesitation, and with that knockout smile, she replied, "I'm thinking she should at least say 'hi' to me before she expects me to bring her lunch." It was perfect and there was nothing the other person could do but smile, knowing that Lori had a good point. Needless to say, they found another way to get lunch for the snooty executive.
Spending time with Lori was an amazing experience. Walking throught the mall, you could watch the men's heads turn for a glimpse of her. It was like gawkers rubber-necking past a car accident on the side of the road. I would always say, "There goes another one who tripped on your aura." Yet, magically, she was unaffected by it, not the least bit conceited. No one was immune. Just stopping for gas could cause some innocent by-stander to lose his senses. The best example I know came when we each were driving serparate cars and stopped for gas. Lori was minding her own busines, filling her car. There was a bunch of guys filling up their jacked-up SUV and one of them came over and said to Lori, "Want to go to the mud hole and get dirty?" We laughed about that for years, did this guy really expect that he had any chance of a "yes," or was he simply unable to keep himself from speaking when faced with such a beautiful girl? But those who ever assessed Lori by her beauty deprived themselves of the ture depth of who she was, so enthralled at the surface.
We shared great times those first few months but two things stand out. First, we carved pumpkins together. I picked the ugly pumpkin that had little chance of being chosen by anyone else, she picked the traditional one. We listened to music and laughed until we had tears in our eyes, carving fairly pitiful pumpkins, but we didn't care. The Halloween together evolved into a tradition for us. Over the years, whenever circumstances allowed, there was dressing up at the office and carving pumpkins before and after we each had our children. I will always think of Lori at Halloween: her cat costume, my witch costume (both made by Sue, of course); her Pocahontas costume, me 9 months pregnant with Landon in an Energizer Bunny costume (again, Sue) and many mediocre pumpkins.
The second thing I remember from that first Halloween is that we listened to one of Lori's Michael McLean CD's. I don't even know the name of the song but it starts with "Do you think that it's possible that strangers like us could be friends, in just a moment or two?" Year after year, that song evolved into one that described to us how quickly and naturally our friendship developed. In fact, I had the privilege last summer of stitching that lyric on Lori's crazy quilt and preserving the memory.
Just a few months after we me, Lori and I sat on a dock over-looking the river, unsure of many things about our individual futures. But that day we pinky-swore that we would remain friends and always look out for each other, no matter which direction our lives went. Year after year, we referred to that pivotal pinky-swear with gratitude for the impact our friendship had on our lives.
The next several years were full of fun! Lori lived with us in Orlando and came to work in our practice. This was perfect for all of us: having an in-house friend took a lot of entertainment pressure off my husband. Lori was there to watch "Little House on the Prairie" with me, go shopping, talk and talk and talk, the way women do. Score 1 for Raf. Despite the fact that we worked together and lived together, Lori and I never got sick of each other. At that time, I had no family living in Florida so Lori and her family were kind enough to include me in their family activities: church services, dinners at the Warburtons, singing around the piano. And, of course, there was lots and lots of shopping. At home and at work, Lori and I always had fun. Whether it was Oprah and milkshakes at 4:00 on slow days at the office, watching re-runs of "I Love Lucy" or Carol Burnett at home, or singing our favorite songs on the radio at work, we were always, always, laughing.
People who knew us both said we spoke alike and had similar senses of humor. But one of the greatest compliments I have ever received is that we were frequently asked if we were sisters. I guess it was the similarities in our mannerisms and speech patterns that came with us spending so much time together that people saw. Though neither of us could see much/any resemblance between the two of use, we really did come to see each other as sisters-by-choice. Not only did we laugh incessantly and enjoy spending time together, we shared our hopes, dreams, fears and joys with each other always knowing that we could each count on the other for support, unconditional acceptance and love.
What I learned about Lori the first several years of our friendship was that Lori was a true and loyal friend and she had an amazing ability to light up a room. The combination of her sassy sense of humor, her immense faith in the church she loved, her sincere desire to be the best person she could possibly be and incredible beauty is something I had never before encountered and likely never will again.
Phase two of our friendship brought Steve and babies: Landon, Austin, Gavin and Carter, Mikayla. Steve, as you know, you were perfect for her. I am sure you were aware of and appreciative of her beauty, but you knew that she was so much bigger than that. You made her so happy! As we each had a our children, and she moved to the Ranch, we didn't spend as much time together but our bond never weakened. She was always a source of love, support and encouragement in my life. When I was overwhelmed and unsure how to manage an 18-month-old and newborn twins, hadn't showered yet that day and ready to cry, she would call. We would talk for 15-20 minutes and I could start fresh.
I was so thrilled to see her getting everything she ever wanted in a husband and her amazing children, Austin and Mikayla. She embraced motherhood and cherished her children as the blessings they are.
It wasn't until December, 2003 when the cancer diagnosis came that I discovered Lori's other amazing gifts: courage and grace. The strength with which she faced her diagnosis, surgeries, treatments and various other indignities was truly remarkable. Over the years, and in and out of countless conversations, she never, never gave up. Never even considered the possibiltiy that the treatments were too painful or the suffering was too long. She remained ever-focused on what she was fighting for: her family. She could endure anything and everything for more time with them.
I can't think of another human being I have ever known who personifies grace like Lori did. Because, as we all know, she wasn't just brave, she was hilarious. She faced every challenge with a smile. She put everyone who helped care for her at ease by insisting on maintaining a sense of humor about all of it. Of course, there were excruciatingly difficult times but, even then, we would find a way to cope with it. A tear mixed with humor was our signature recipe. Someone once said, "As long as you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused." She didn't just smile, she shined at every corner, brightening all of our lives while fighting for her own.
Some of the greatest experiences over the last few years were because of Lori. My visit to Texas last fall was so meaningful to me. We attended the "Time Out for Women" in San Antonio. We cried through almost every song that was sung, enjoyed the River Walk, shopped, and spent time with the friends she made in Texas. Most importantly, shared tears and smiles, hopes and fears and I got to spend time with her fantastic family. Before I left, inspired by a talk given at Time Out for Women about the lost art of letter-writing, I wrote Lori a long letter thanking her for the countless gifts she had given me over the years. I am so glad I wrote that letter and she knew how much she meant to me.
Lori and my husband, Rafael, plotted to provide me with the biggest surprise of my life, besides learning that I was having twins. My husband flew Lori from Texas and surprised me on my 40th birthday! It was all arranged: we spent the weekend together: shopping and taking a cooking class together. Best of all, we shared quiet talks and , as always, plenty of laughs. It was by far the best birthday gift I have ever received. Thank you, Rafael.
Lori helped me make my first quilt. She made me a quilt, which, of course, is about 1 million times better than the one I made. She gave me a Christmas ornament every year for 12 years. Many of them were homemade and she knew that I looked forward to seeing what it would be each year. These gifts and countless others will be cherished by my whole family. She will always be with us.
Lori made my life brighter. Countless times, she made my load lighter, sharing my burdens and providing encouragement and support. I think she even made me funnier. She inspired me with her courage, grace and devotion to her family. People talk about being fortunate to find a great love once in a lifetime. I found a truly great friendship that transcended into a sisterhood. For that, I will be eternally grateful.
To Mike, Sue, Shanon, Beth, Steve, Austin and Mikayla: thank you for sharing Lori with me and making me feel like part of the family. I love you all. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss.
Austin and Mikayla: you have inherited so many of your mother's amazing gifts and you will keep them forever. She knew how much you loved her, was so proud of you and loved you infinitely.
We should celebrate Lori's life by following her beautiful example of humor, courage and grace as we face whatever challenges lie ahead and cherish every moment the way she did.
To Lori, I love you dearly and will cherish the gift of friendship and sisterhood you gave me forever.
Remember, what the caterpillar sees as an end, to the butterfly is just a beginning. Lori has had her new beginning.