Lori Jo Meckler passed away on July 19 after complications from surgery.
Born & raised in Miami, FL, Lori spent some of her childhood in Germany, where her father was stationed in the military. Later, she returned to Florida, marrying Ira in 1975. They welcomed their two sons, Brian in 1978 and Eric in 1980. In her early years, Lori’s interests included scuba diving, snorkeling, traveling and the arts. Her career involved medical research and administration at the University of Miami, and medical malpractice underwriting. Lori lived in Miami until the age of 40 when she moved to Colorado to escape the heat. After her sons finished college, she returned to Florida to be with her family. Lori always envisioned living in a small town and discovered the paradise of Western North Carolina in 2014. Although she struggled for decades with her health, Lori always found the time and energy to volunteer. She was a strong supporter of law enforcement. In Hendersonville, she joined the Volunteers in Partnership Program, promoting to sergeant with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. She spent her weekends on mobile watch or managing traffic and often contributed to their newsletter. Yet Lori found her greatest passion in caring for animals. Although she volunteered at various zoos, her deepest fulfillment was rescuing dogs from local shelters. What began as fostering older shih tzus evolved into multiple adoptions over the years. She spent countless hours volunteering with Cooki, her certified therapy dog. Together, they visited the elderly at local retirement homes, patients at Pardee Hospital, anxious passengers in the airport and children at local libraries. More recently, her interests included gardening, nature, and playing Mah Jongg. Lori kept a strong connection with her extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews around the country, as well as her wonderful community of friends in Hendersonville.
Lori was preceded in death by her sister, Jill, and their parents, Leonard and Judith Meckler. She is survived by her sister, Janna; her sons, Brian and Eric; daughters-in-law, Jill and Andrea; and her deepest joy – her grandchildren: Madden, Natalie, Randi and Anabella.
Donations can be made on her behalf to the Shih Tzu rescue or to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) Program at: Henderson County Sheriff’s Office 100 Grove Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 Attn: Warren Hargis. “In memory of Lori Jo Meckler”
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 5 at 11:30 a.m., Mount Nebo – Kendall Memorial Gardens, 5900 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143. Later that evening, the family will welcome visitors to honor Lori’s memory at Brian’s home.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.