01/13/2016
Lorri Estes Emmerich
September 30, 1959 β December 18, 2015
A spirited, playful woman with an infectious laugh, a conscientious trailblazer with keen business skills, a devoted mother and wife β Lorri lived each day with optimism, compassion and determination. Friends and family recall her strength and grace, ability to light up a room, generosity and her resolute courage. Lorri was selfless, inclusive and compelled to make a difference. And she loved to dance.
Growing up in Windsor and Healdsburg, Lorri developed an enduring interest in agriculture. Crowned FFA Sweetheart in 1977, she went on to earn a B.S. degree in Agri-Business from California State University, Fresno. Beginning in 1983, Lorri built a distinguished management career in the wine industry. In 1998, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair Board named her Young Agri-Business Person of the Year. In 1999 she was βanointedβ Wine Sweetheart of the Year by the Sonoma County Wineries Association.
Lorri invested countless hours in community service, serving multiple terms on the Boards of Sonoma County Wineries Association, Healdsburg Junior High School PTO, Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club, Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair, Santa Rosa Junior College Ag Trust, Sonoma County Wineries Foundation, Healdsburg Unified School District, and the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County.
In addition to Lorriβs best friend and husband of thirty years, Gary, and her son Cory, survivors include her mother Patricia Weaver, brother Bob Estes (Kelly), brother Mike Weaver, sister LeeAnn Wilton (Steve) sister-in-law Ruth Dvorscak (Andy), sister-in-law Monica Motta (Bernie), brother-in-law Fred Emmerich (Becky), numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. βWe are all better people for knowing such a wonderful person,β says Gary.
A party celebrating Lorri will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catwalk for a Cure: Sutter Cancer Support Services, 30 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. β with Lorri Estes Emmerich.