Lori Jacobson-Hesse passed away in the early morning hours of September 16, 2017. A lifelong resident of Whitehall, she was too young to leave this world at age 60.  Her bright and beautiful spirit left her physical body due to the aggressive spread of metastatic breast cancer diagnosed in September 2015.  Lori viewed her cancer as a life journey and fought its progression energetically, courageously, and positively.  She told others diagnosed with cancer to never give up, no matter what stage cancer they had.   She leaves grieving family members and many friends and acquaintances.

Lori was born on February 24, 1957 to Doug and Kay Jacobson, in Hammond, Louisiana, her mother's hometown and where her parents were attending college.  The new family moved back to the Muskegon area in Michigan, when Lori was two years old, then to Whitehall.  She was a sunny and fun-loving child who grew up to be a cheerful, fashion-savvy, beautiful woman with an always-ready smile.  She was warm, loving, kind and generous.

Lori was a devoted mother of her two sons, and enjoyed working as a dental hygienist, paraprofessional at Whitehall Shoreline Elementary, and realtor.  She loved home decorating and a favorite TV show was HGTV. She had a special flair for beautifying her surroundings, was a top-notch gourmet cook, and an accomplished photographer. She loved Galveston, Texas where she stayed while being treated for cancer much of the last two years, and would often send family and friends photos of the ocean shore.  She worked out regularly and attended local yoga classes.  Lori adored her grandchildren and enthusiastically planned outings and fun projects for their time together.   She was community-minded, vibrant and full of life, and had an amazingly strong will. She was a role model for her family and friends of what positive willpower could do. She loved large and was loved well.

Lori is survived by her sons, Nate (Heather) Hesse and Nic (Sarah) Hesse, and their father, Brian Hesse; grandchildren, Isabel, Vivian, Henry, Reese (and one more along the way); father, Doug Jacobson; brother, Guy Jacobson (Robert); sister, Tanya Cabala and nephew, Earl (Christa) Niece, Taylor. Lori was preceded in death by her mother, Kay Jacobson.

A service of Lori's life will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, 413 S. Mears Avenue, in Whitehall, Michigan.  A celebration of life at the Book Nook in Montague Michigan will take place following the service.

Please make donations to Harbor Hospice Foundation in Lori's honor.