Loretta Onoye

Loretta Elaine Onoye was born to Miriam and George Dumer on June 28, 1943. She grew up in Sun Valley, CA as the oldest sister to Cathy, Claire and Jeanne. She shared fond memories with her children about spending the summer with her sister on her grandparent’s farm in Ojai She would later take her children for summer visits where they created even more fond memories.
She attended North Hollywood HIgh School and after graduating from North Hollywood she went to Cal State Northridge, known as San Fernando Valley State College at the time, where she earned a degree in English. She had a love of reading that lasted her entire life. While at Northridge, she was introduced by a friend to Alan. They would spend their lunch time sitting by the pool on campus talking. From that friendship bloomed a relationship that led to their marriage on April 16, 1966.
Their oldest daughter, Cheryl was born in 1967 and they moved to Simi Valley just before Debbie was born. A couple of years later Michael was born. Lori was a stay at home mom who spent the days raising her children and organizing an amazing and loving home.
Lori’s grandchildren brought her great joy. Allyson grew up in the house with her which developed a different relationship but she was proud of and loved Cade, Michaela, and Noah just as much. She always looked forward to the time spent with family celebrating birthdays, holidays, and just being a family.
It wasn’t until later that she started working as a substitute teacher in Simi which lead to her return to Cal State Northridge to earn her teaching credential. She taught Special Education at Royal High School for more than twenty years. She was assigned to teach science which was not her background but she spent a lot of time preparing and finding creative ways to teach. She taught summer school every year and it was a difficult decision when she retired.
Lori spent the last several years working to recover from a fall but it was still time with her family that made her the most happy. He son Mike would visit for what they would jokingly call “Tuesdays with Lori” She would brag about candy from Debbie and go on about her weekends with Cheryl and Alan. She would light up when she spent time with her great-granddaughter Charlotte and would just sit with a look of contentment when with the family.
While everyone hoped for more family time with Lori she was suddenly and unexpectedly called home by the Lord. She is loved and will be missed by family and friends.