Lori Mae (Meinert) Gest peacefully entered into the presence of our Lord on February 18, 2011, at the age of 52, while surrounded by her loving family at home in Virginia Beach, VA, after a 9 year battle with breast cancer.
Lori was born November 22, 1958 in Freeport, IL to Laverne D. Meinert and Florence I. (Adams) Meinert. An outdoor girl with a radiant smile, she and her three older brothers, Dennis, Jeffery, and James grew up in the football loving town of Hobart, IN where her parents instilled a strong work ethic and deep sense of commitment to community.
After graduating from Hobart High School, Lori earned her license as a registered nurse from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. This is also where she began her lifelong ministry of touching the hearts of people with her smile.
In 1985, Lori moved to Honolulu, HI to work in the Intensive Care Unit at Kuakini Hospital. While in Hawaii, she met her future husband, Navy submariner and salvage diver, Kevin J. Gest. After marrying in September 1987, Lori and Kevin were transferred to San Diego, CA where they began their family with the birth of Anna in 1990. Lori’s family continued to grow with the birth of Patrick in 1992, and then Samuel in 1994 after their move to Virginia Beach.
Taking a break from nursing, Lori’s commitment to her family and community flourished with volunteer work as Navy Ombudsman, PTA president, Brigadoon Neighborhood Babysitting Co-op president, classroom volunteer, Mother-Daughter Book Club member, children’s Sunday school teacher, and Hurricane Katrina relief volunteer. Lori returned to nursing at The Center for Pain Management, even as she continued to support her children’s involvement in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, sports, drama, etc.
Prior to her passing, Lori was blessed by seeing her children grow into vibrant young adults, touched by God and the promise of ministering to their community.
Lori is survived by her husband, Kevin; children, Anna, Patrick, and Samuel; parents, Laverne and Florence Meinert; brothers, Jeff (wife Cathy) and Jim (wife Karen); and sister in law, Sandi (Meinert) Granger (husband Pierre Granger); and many beloved aunts, uncles, and nieces and nephews. Lori was predeceased by her brother, Dennis.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 23rd from 5 to 9 p.m., and Thursday, February 24th from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church (NCPC), 1552 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach. A memorial service will also be held on Thursday at 4 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, with a reception to immediately follow @ Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach. A graveside service will take place on Friday, February 25th at 3:15 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans’ Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk. Funeral services are being provided by Family Choice Funerals & Cremations of Virginia Beach. Call 757-366-9260 for more information.
So many people have commented on the effect Lori’s smile has had on their lives. Something her family would like you to know is that all of you, her family, friends, co-workers, and her caretakers over the last 9 years, have given her the strength to keep on smiling from her heart, which also gave us the ability to smile along with her. Thank you all so much.
If we could encourage you to make a donation in Lori’s name toward a charitable organization, then we ask that you prayerfully ask our heavenly father how He would have you share the blessings He has provided your family, so that you may be a beacon that guides our hurting world to an eternal home where our loving Father ‘shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ (Rev 21:4) Then the rescued, ‘will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.’ (Isaiah 51:11)
Please take the opportunity to share a life story or condolence via the online guestbook.
May the love, joy, & peace of Jesus Christ bless you all,
The Gest Family
Memorial Education Fund for Gest Children
For questions please contact:
Aaron Zielinski
Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors
(757) 628-8938
Mailing Address for contributions:
Wells Fargo Advisors
Attn: Aaron Zielinski
999 Waterside Drive; Suite 1815
Norfolk, VA 23510
Contribution specifics for checks:
Check payable: College America
Check memo: FBO Anna Irene Gest (529)
* Please see Sandi Granger for postage paid envelopes for mailing contributions
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your memories be your strength.
The Male’s,
Aaron, Nicole, Taylor & Alexis
Dear Lori Gest Family,
Lori will be so greatly missed. She was always a beacon of light at church with her sweet smile and quiet, gentle spirit. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Essink
Kevin,
I am so saddened by Lori’s passing. Our years together in Hawaii always make me smile. You all were truly soulmates. May your memories, her laughter and smile help you and your family thru this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your family has my greatest sympathy for your loss. I met Lori a few times, and was so impressed with her lovely spirit and the happiness she radiated with regards to raising her children. She was clearly a loving mom with an incredibly positive attitude.
Kevin, Our hearts will forever treasure Lori’s love and strength and our memory will forever remember her grace and generosity. She will be missed. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
My prayers are with each of you.
I have a memory of Lori that stands out to me, when I truly understood her personality. When I was seventeen, I made a bad decision to lie to my parents about where I was after school. I drove from school to my then boyfriend’s house, and upon rushing home in time to make it a believable story, I lost control of my parents car on the slick, freshly rained on road. The car spun 180 degrees, slamming into the side of a tree. To this day I’m not sure how much the damages were, but I could only imagine it was a pretty penny. Especially with the disappointment and distrust I knew I’d caused for my parents. I felt so ashamed. When we went to the Gest’s for Thanksgiving, not long after the accident, I was expecting to be made into an example for the Gest kids, like my parents had done with my brothers, understandably. But not once did I hear Kevin or Lori (at least in front of me ;)) say, “See kids, that’s what’s happens when you lie.” Instead, I remember distinctly, when we gave our hugs good-bye at the end of the long weekend, Lori said to me, “Everyone makes mistakes, life will go on. You’re a good girl.” That is when I realized what type of woman she was, and continues to be in my heart. A forgiver. A motivator. And again, a woman with a smile that made you believe in her and anything she said to be the honest truth.
Dear Kevin,
You & your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I used to live across the street from Lori and Kevin. When my husband (at that time Jim) and I moved into the neighborhood, Lori was the first to come over and welcome us to the area. She said she wanted to introduce herself right away because she wanted me to meet her while she still had her hair. She said all this with a smile and with encouragement. I knew Lori through the 7 years living on dundee lane. During that time I watched her battle cancer and survive turmoils. I found out one day that I had early melonoma (skin cancer). I was terrified. But one day sitting by my front window feeling sorry for myself, there was Lori out walking and enjoying the day. That day made me realise that this was nothing compared to what she must be going through. Our kids sometimes hung out together. I no longer live at that address but always thought of Lori and how she was doing. I often prayed for her and the family in hopes she would win the battle. I will say this, your family is a family to be proud of. From what I could see, you are all wonderful people and all of the kids seem to be heading in the right direction. The times they had with their Mom I am sure will always be tresured. I’m glad that I was a lucky person who’s life she somehow touched. We should all smile in this world as she did. My heart truly goes out to you Kevin and the three kids. I’m very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother.
Dear Mrs. Gest (Lori): I was lucky enough to get to know you when I was lucky enough to teach and know Anna banana at Kemps Landing. Your smile truly lit up the room wherever you were, and your passing makes the world a sadder place. May you rest in peace-you really fought the good fight, Girl!
Praying for you. May God comfort & strengthen all of the family.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin, Anna, Patrick and Sam,
Know that there are so many of us that are thinking of and praying for all of you during this very difficult time. Lori was such a cheerful and caring person. She will be and has been greatly missed in the halls of Centerville. Hold on to your memories for they can never be taken away from you.
the lord have you in hand know and this is a place that love joy and all thing are good I will miss you and i hope you will alway be there in my heart.
Peace to you all. Lori is missed, but her suffering is over
An inspiration to all of us of how life shuld be led. I know she was a guiding presence in my life and always had solutions for kid issues. Thanks for all your wisdom and faith.
Kevin,
I am really sorry to hear oif Lori’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Kevin,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My heart and prayers are with the entire Gest family.
Anna, Patrick & Sam:
How do I begin to express my sincere gratitude of having had the opportunity to know you and see you grow up. Your mom was a strong woman who above all else, loved her family. She is able to rest now, comforted by the example of the wonderful young adults that you have become. I can remember going mountain bike riding one Saturday,l and when Sam fell in the mud, Anna and Patrick both raced to the rescue to save their litte brother. Now you are grown up and I can only imagine the wonderful things that are yet to come for you all. You will forever have a special place in my heart. Love, Mrs. Conger
Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
Dear Kevin & Family,
Lori was such a beautiful lady and it sounds like she has left behind a sweet legacy of the love of Christ. Her legacy of His love is of eternal significance, to Him be the glory. May you all sense His love and His presence during this painful & challenging time. I am praying for you.
I will always remember Lori for her infectious smile and laugh!
Kevin and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin, Anna, Pat and Sam,
We are sending you our love and our prayers through this difficult time. We hope you find comfort in knowing that Lori will always be watching over you. Cherish your precious memories as they will remain in your hearts forever.
Many prayers of comfort and blessings to you and your family Kevin.
Kevin,Anna,Patrick and Sam
We were deeply sadened when Jeff and Jill called to inform us about Lori.
We met Lori at Hannah’s and Seth’s graduation and visited with her at their home.She was a wonderful person with a constant and sincere smile;we gained a freind.
May GOD comfort all of you!
Jake and Betty
Jeff’s parents
Dear Gest Family,
I can’t adequately put into words all the feelings I’m feeling. Lori’s passing makes this world a little sadder but can you imagine the additional happiness going on in heaven right now! Lori fought mighty hard to win this battle and I know she left earth so proud of her kids and her husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janie
My thoughts and prayers along with those of my son Taylor, who is friends with Patrick, are with your family at this sad time. Lori was such a sweet person with a radiant smile. May god bless her and her family during the coming days and forever.
We were so sad to hear the news. I have such fond memories of Lori, especially those days when the kids were babies. Colleen
Words still haven’t come to me….just the love. Our connection was school…Kevin working with our students, our kids growing up together, Lori in and out of Centerville Elementary for years, always with a smile and a refreshing breath of fresh air. Lori & Kevin are good souls. It has been my honor and I wish the Gest Family love and eternal happiness.
I know God is watching over the children and you as you go through this difficult time. Please know I have all of you in prayers.
My sincere sympathy to the family. God bless you.
Ann Coombs (Sherry Belcik’s Mother)
I never met Lori Gest, but I heard much of what she accomplished in her life. She was a great woman and she will be missed dearly by all of who knew her or of her. When I heard that Lori was dead something in me just clicked. It’s the feeling you get when you know a good, kind person has passed. That feeling has resided with me for a week. She is in a better place now and I’m happy that she no longer has to endure her battle with breast cancer. She will be missed and I will always think of her in my moments of reprieve.
Lori was a wonderful person, and although I didn’t know her personally, it definitely showed through her ability as a mother. I grew up with Sam and Pat in high school and they are some of the best guys I’ve ever met. Rest in peace Mrs. Gest, you and you’re family are in my prayers forever.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Kevin, Anna, Patrick and Sam,
We are praying for you as you grieve. Lori was such a beacon of light and a wonderful woman of God.
Love and Peace…
Dave and Sue Schwabauer
Kevin
Today we learned of your loss. I never saw Lori look down there was always that smile. Luke saw the boys the other day at the Rec Center and we talked about when they were all small. Lori will be missed, the courage in which she fought her nine year battle is an inspiration to those who knew her. Kevin – you, Anna, Patrick and Sam are in out thoughts and prayers.
My son Marc & I know Anna and Lori. We lived in Brigadoon for 20 years and the children were in activities together. I am also a Breast Cancer survivor of less than 2 years now, so I can relate to all your lives. She was a wonderful person and loved by all. Our sympathy goes out to the family.