About Lori Jones

Lori MacInnes Jones was a loving mother, wife, and passionate educator who died on February 1, 2017. She was 57.

Although Lori fought cancer, or the effects of her treatments, over most of her adult life, few recognized it. Her happiness and joy for each day touched so many, and the strength and determination of her fight was truly inspirational.

Lori’s family, students, and friends will continue to be inspired by her and are determined to honor her legacy by aiding families of children with cancer. The Lori Jones Fund for Children at the Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation supports pediatric cancer patients throughout Colorado. Contributions to this fund and foundation are greatly appreciated and will provide desperately needed financial assistance to those truly in need.

Lori was born on April 8, 1959, to Wes and Joan MacInnes in Los Angeles, California. Throughout her childhood, Lori traveled up and down the west coast with her parents; sisters, Christi and Bobbi; and brother, Chuck. She attended school in Manhattan Beach, California; Richmond, British Columbia; and Kent, Washington. Lori received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Washington and later a Master’s Degree in Education while working full time as an elementary school teacher. Lori met her husband Bob while at school in Seattle. She moved to Northern California with Bob after college and they were married at Lake Tahoe on September 1, 1984. Despite overwhelming odds due to cancer treatments, Lori later gave birth to two boys, Sean and Tanner. Lori cherished family and the times shared celebrating holidays and special occasions.

Lori’s wit and her love for family, friends, and students were like no other. Her passion for education and desire to help others was infectious. In the classroom and at home, her dream was to help everyone achieve their true potential.

Lori loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, snow skiing, traveling, and hanging out around a backyard fire with family and friends. Lori liked people and was always quick to share a smile, kind word, or story to connect.

A long-time friend of Lori’s, Karen Spalding, read the following passage from a book less than 24 hours after Lori’s death…We are all dying, some sooner and some later. It is how you live that matters. Karen recalled, “When I read this, I heard Lori talking and knew this was her reminding us to live each day to the fullest.”