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Obituary

J. Lorraine "Lori" Buonauro completed her 90 year earthly journey on June 10, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of lessons on living a life full of love, respect, compassion, and grace. Lori forged her own unique path early in life often in the midst of external culture and social forces that narrowly defined and dictated roles for women in the years during and after World War II. As a young mother, Lori committed herself to fulfilling the practical, daily and economic needs of loving and supporting her family while also finding a way to merge her work roles with her deep values of advocacy, service, and social support. Her work life included Catholic Social Services, The Dominican Sisters of Peace, and AIDS Service Connection. She opened her home, her generous spirit, her Italian heritage, and her gifts of being an attentive listener and lifelong learner through gatherings at her table. Her home- that resembled a type of living classroom and sanctuary of empathy and enlightenment- she shared with others her concern, advocacy, and conscious intentions to champion causes related to social and economic equality and equity, diversity, nonviolence, and humanistic endeavors. She embraced an ecumenical approach to her spirituality and actively sought fellowship and activism in efforts that promoted unity, inclusiveness, and a collective understanding of and respect for difference. An early influence on her adult spiritual life was an interfaith Cursillo retreat. She served as an associate and lay leader with the Dominican Sisters of Peace, including volunteering for the Spirituality Network supporting Women to Women. Lori exemplified the mission of the Dominican Sisters to be a blessing to others while offering an affirming presence in a world in need of peace. Lori was a modest person who tied a bandana around her neck, slipped her feet into well worn Birkenstocks, and wore simple clothes with an effortless sense of style and comfort. She kept her hair short and was, as she often remarked, going "au naturelle" by not adding any hair color, artifice, appearance or pretense to any aspect of her appearance or personality. When her children were young, she drove them to educational, social and family activities in her station wagon, a vehicle that she made last much longer than it's likely recommended total mileage. She sacrificed much for her family and did so selflessly without drawing attention to herself. Long before any discussions or definition about climate change, Lori was conscientious about her use and consumption of resources and respect for the planet. She listened to Christmas songs throughout the entire year and was particularly fond of folk music. She enjoyed fresh flowers in the house and delighted in simple beauty. She was a deep lover of nature. She loved old movies and the fond reminiscence of family and growing up in Chicago and Melrose Park, Illinois. She loved animals, including dearly, loved family pets, and it was no surprise that she became a vegetarian early in life not only to "eat healthy" but also for the protection and compassion for all animals. Lori was artistic and enjoyed transferring her observations and thoughts into various art forms, particularly collage and mandala making. She was not greedy nor prone to any kind of pettiness through argument, gossip, complaining, or nagging. She did not neglect or ignore those who are so often made to feel invisible, unseen or abandoned. She cared deeply for humanity. She was able to bear, great sadness and grief with resilience, perseverance, and a rare gift of transforming and transcending her loss into growth and wisdom that reflected her lifelong pursuit of deepening spiritual maturity. She will be remembered and missed by her children and their spouses, Diana (Beckham) Wyrick, Ed (Ruth) Cullman; grandchildren, Samuel Wyrick, Marissa (Ryan) Fine, Brock Cullman, Natalia (Jacob) Palmer, and Destiny Tauro; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, spiritual associates; the Thurell Road neighborhood group; and most especially long-time friend, companion and "anam cara" Carol Moss. Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Mary (DiOrio) Buonauro; her infant daughter, Susan; and many decades later, by her adult daughter, Sharon Buonauro Cullman; and sister, Janet Babowice whose family was always there for Lori and her family. Lori was a loyal and kind friend. In fact, kindness was the overwriting characteristic of her grace filled life. She easily connected with others and instantly created cherished impressions that were destined to last a lifetime by those fortunate enough to call her friend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dominican Sisters Of Peace (DSOP) 2340 Airport Drive Columbus, Ohio 43219. Contributions will benefit the Dominican Sisters of Peace and Mohun Health Care Center.