Lori Smola made her peaceful transition on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Bloomer to another level of consciousness while the Beatles song “Black Bird” played and her husband, Tom, St. Croix Hospice Team and Meadowbrook personnel were by her side.

                Lori’s journey began on April 16, 1955, when she was born to Gilbert and Elaine (Weslowski) Hanson in Ladysmith. Lori spent her childhood years in the Bruce/Weyerhaeuser area before her family moved to Chippewa Falls. In her early teens, she graduated from Chi-Hi, class of 73. Lori worked at the Herald Telegram and Amoco/Pactiv before having to retire because of the ongoing issues brought on by the challenges of MS.

                Lori married Tom Smola on September 6, 1995, on Judge Albertson farm in Stillwater, MN. Lori and Tom’s theme song throughout their years together was “wooly Bully”. Lori had a great sense of humor and was an excellent cook, always looking for new recipes to try. She enjoyed reading, researching, needlepoint, live music as her and Tom attended many concerts with Big Top Chautauqua outside of Bayfield on Lake Superior, their favorite venue. Lori was an animal lover, especially of cats, as Lori and Tom shared their home on Lake Hallie with 7 cats. Lori was also very intuitive and insightful. Thru the years, Lori enjoyed flower gardening, planting flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and collecting rocks, as many relatives and friends have brought her rocks from around the world.

                Lori is survived by her husband, Tom; brothers, Craig (Sally) Hanson and Brad Hanson both of Chippewa Falls; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jean and Mike Parr of Chippewa Falls and Jim and Kathy Smola of Apple Valley, MN and her cat, Friday.

                Lori was preceded in transitioning by her parents; her beloved grandmother, Anna; and her uncle, Richard; along with her in-laws, Norbert and Kathryn Smola.

                Through the many challenges brought on by MS, Lori was a true warrior.

                Lori and Tom would like to thank family, relatives, friends, neighbors for all their help thru the years, we would also like to thank the many medical professionals who assisted us and to the staff past and present at Meadowbrook at Bloomer and to the St. Croix Hospice team you deserve a heartfelt thank you. Also, to Horan Funeral Home for all their help. Through it all, you were all amazing, may you all be blessed with the kindness, tenderness, compassion and love you showed us. You are all a gift.

                On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, there will be a visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Unity Christ Center, 1808 Folsom St, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

                A Memorial service for Laurel “Lori” A. Hanson-Smola was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at Unity of Eau Claire.

                Welcome and prayers were given by Hair Therapist, Kathy Boone.

                A Message was given by Rev. Sandra McKinney, Chaplain of St. Croix Hospice, Michelle Earle and Spiritualist, Jodi Hagedorn.

                Eulogies were given by family and friends.

                Closing prayer by Jodi Hagedorn.

                Music during the service was provided by Therese Schutte.