It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lori R. Sowma, who left us on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the age of 67.
Lori was born on February 13, 1959, to Robert and Doreen (Belding) Jensen. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1977. On March 29, 1980, she married Gary Sowma in New Knoxville, Ohio. In 1992, Lori and Gary returned to Lori’s hometown of Kenosha to raise their family. There, Lori built a life centered around family, friendships, and the things she loved most. Gary and Lori shared 34 years of marriage until Gary’s unexpected passing in 2014.
Lori worked for many years in the Finance Department at Kenosha Memorial Hospital and later as an Assistant Manager at the UW-Parkside Bookstore. She took pride in her work and the connections she made along the way.
She had a passion for travel and other cultures, visiting France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. Many of these experiences, as well as opportunities for hosting international visitors, were made possible through the Sister Cities Association of Kenosha. Lori also held a special place in her heart for Florida, where she lived for several years and enjoyed the sunshine, sandy beaches, and relaxing pace of retirement.
Lori expressed her creativity through her home and hobbies. She enjoyed interior design, creating spaces at home that reflected her travels and interests. She also took great pride in cultivating vibrant flower gardens at home. She found joy in hobbies like sewing, painting, and jewelry making. She was known for her love of shopping, taking special care to find the perfect gifts for friends and family.
She was an avid lover of movies from every era and genre, an interest she shared with Gary. Music was always a part of Lori’s life – a devoted fan of Nickelback, Heart, Celine Dion, Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, and many other artists. She enjoyed singing in the choir during her younger years, as well as attending musicals and live performances throughout her life.
Lori is survived by her children: Aaron (Dahye) Sowma, Jeremy (Carly) Sowma, Michole (Jaime) Arias-Sowma, Stephanie (Adrian) Sowma, and Joshua (Katie) Sowma; her sister, Sherry; her brother, Randy; and her beloved grandchildren, Jaime, Lainy, Christian, Elijah, Reina, Grace, Daniel, Levi, Brecken, Elowyn, and another on the way.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Evelyn Jensen; her parents, Dennis and Doreen Muhlick, and Robert Jensen; and her husband, Gary Sowma.
Private services were held. Lori’s wishes were honored through cremation, and her ashes will be scattered in the places she loved most.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Alliance Inc., 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 https://www.hospicealliance.org.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Alliance, as well as her dear friends Rose, Carole, and Vonae, who stood by her with unwavering love, support, and good humor until the very end.
Lori will be forever remembered for her fiery spirit, laughter, and penchant for a witty comeback. She will be deeply missed, and her impact will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
