On August 22, 2025 the world lost its brightest and most beautiful light. Lori Howland Jones passed away in her home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by her family, who lovingly held her hands as she found peace. Anyone who knew Lori would agree that she left an indelible mark on the world, making a lasting difference in the lives of so many.
Lori was born on June 26, 1974, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA, and grew up in Huntingdon Valley. She graduated from Lower Moreland High School in 1992, and went on to earn a degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware in 1996. Driven by her passion for helping others, she later received a Master of Social Work from Bryn Mawr College in 2002. This passion was the foundation of Lori’s life and her career. A devoted and cherished therapist for 28 years, she was honored in May 2024 as Delaware Charter Network’s “Behavioral Health Professional of the Year.” Lori’s impact stretched far and wide, offering comprehensive care to children in need, students in crisis, and survivors of domestic abuse. Her work took her to places such as the The Herman Rosenblum Child & Adolescent Center, Brody and Associates, and most recently, she served as the family crisis therapist at Odyssey Charter School.
Though Lori was passionate about her profession, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She married the love of her life, Chris, on June 21, 2003. To her, being the best possible mother to Evan and Tyler was her life’s purpose. Her boys were everything to her, and her happiest moments were spent laughing, playing, and simply being together - especially during their cherished “family game nights.”
In addition to being an exceptional parent and loving wife, having Lori for a sister was like winning the lottery. She was the sibling you called when you needed advice, empathy, and honest guidance. Lori and her sisters achieved notoriety for the fun they had together, and were collectively known as the “Howland Sisters” or just “the Sisters.” For her friends, Lori never forgot a birthday, always had a gift ready months in advance (often purchased from a GMA deal), and was the one organizing celebratory dinners. Lori lived her life showing up for others – if she was able to be there, she was there.
Lori’s love for life extended beyond her work and family. She enjoyed skiing, camping, gardening, traveling (especially to National Parks with her three boys), snorkeling, Sisters Trips, and live music (and dancing like no one was watching). Many vacations centered around these passions. She also had a special fondness for Costco, Kohl’s cash, GMA Deals and Steals, and collecting gifts that “everyone needs.”
In 2016, Lori was diagnosed with ocular melanoma. She didn’t “battle” the disease so much as live with it, embracing her new way of life in a way that inspired all who knew her. Meditations, saunas, ice baths, yoga, HIIT workouts, balancing oncology and naturopathy, and lots of naturopathic medicines were all part of her journey. While her special diet was intricate enough that one needed a specialized degree to understand, so many people close to her took the time to learn it and cook her “Lori food.” The nourishment and love she received from those around her buoyed her every day.
Lori had an extraordinary ability for making people feel seen. There was never a time when she didn’t ask how you were doing, or remember to ask about a new joy or challenge in your life. Lori was a person you could turn to when you had a problem or needed to talk something out. She asked the best questions and gave the best advice. She also had an incredible and unique sense of humor and was often described as the “funniest person who didn’t know she was being funny.” Whether doing a goofy dance, singing a line to a song under her breath to narrate a particular moment, unintentionally (but minorly) injuring herself in ways her sisters would later mercilessly tease her about, or blurting out something she later regretted, Lori lit up the room with her joyful presence and infectious spirit.
Lori was a radiant light in this world, a light that will never fade. Her legacy is a testament to the power of love, kindness, and empathy, and she will forever be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her beautiful life serve as a powerful reminder that every moment matters, and we must make our time count.
Lori is survived by her devoted husband, Chris, and her loving sons, Evan and Tyler Jones; her mother, Marianne Gillespie; her mother-in-law, Barbara Jones; her siblings, Michele Jones (Frank), Courtney McKinley (Allan), Erin Landy (Mike), John Howland (Jaclyn) and Patrick Howland (Annie); as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, Zachary, Frank Jr., Cassie, Patrick, Reed, Vincent, Brayden, Jackson, Madison, Isla, Bella, Joey, Maura and Chloe. Lori was preceded in death by her father, John Howland (Kathleen); her step-father, Herb Gillepsie; her paternal grandparents, Helen and Thomas Howland; and her maternal grandparents, Lefty and Buela Wagner.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on September 13, 2025, at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808). The visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Delaware Guidance Services for Children & Youth.
Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile…. -Grateful Dead
