Lori Gere

Gere, Lori Adena, Age 62 of Saint Helen (formerly of Millington), MI passed away on September 17, 2021 surrounded by her family. Lori fought a long, courageous battle against cancer.

Lori was born in Colorado Springs, CO to Jack and Emagene (Ostrander) Sandersfield. She was one of six children, and grew up surrounded by cousins and extended family. She met the love of her life at age 14, and she and Larry Gere were married in 1977. They lived a life together filled with devotion to each other, travel, and the love of friends and family. They do everything together, and are true soulmates and best friends.  Throughout the years they enjoyed water skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, card games, trips to Florida and countless Bob Segar and Jimmy Buffet concerts together.

Lori worked as a dental assistant for 30 years. She became known for her homemade pickles, her love of gardening, and her selfless, caring nature.  Lori would make new friends anywhere she went, would strike up a conversation with anyone, and always looked for ways to lend a helping hand. She continued caring for others even well into her illness. She loved boating, fishing, and spending time with her family. She treasured her time at the beach in Florida, loved seashells, and found peace and joy on her pontoon boat fishing with her grandsons. She would find any excuse to cook someone their favorite meal, and loved giving gifts, sending cards and making those around her feel special. She loved her friends like family, and her nieces, nephews and cousins. She always said “my favorite place to be is wherever my family is.” She was a firm believer that “you can never have too many flowers or friends.”

Lori was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Saint Helen Post 416, and the Women of the Moose Grayling MI Chapter, the West Branch Eagles Arie Auxiliary, and the Apache Preservation Society.

Lori leaves to Cherish her memory: husband Larry, and daughters Melanie Gere (Jeff Grun), Kristen Gere (James Hawkins), Grandsons William and Isaac Hawkins, Sisters Shelly Cobb (Terry Eddy) and Jill (Bill) Earl, brother Scott Sandersfield (Alix Miller) and sister-law-Evelyn Sandersfield. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends who were like family.

Lori was welcomed into heaven by her parents Jack (Hannah) Sandersfield and Emagene (Louis) Gilbert, Grandparents Golda and LaVerne Ostrander, along with brothers Dave and Dennis Sandersfield, sister-in-law D’Anne Sandersfield, Uncle Bud Ostrander, Aunt Wanda Straw, Aunt Doris Gregory, Aunt Evy and Uncle Ket Barber, special cousins Rick Kuberski and Kathy Ostrander and many close friends.

The family would like to invite friends to Hanlin Funeral Home on Thursday, September 23, 2021 for a time of visiting from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service beginning at 4:00 p.m. Lori will be inurned at a later date in St. Helen.  If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Lori's honor please do so to the American Cancer Society.

Hanlin Funeral Home

Serving Since 1928