Obituary
Lori Lapping, 67, née Amstadter, adored daughter of Eleanor Pilka (Larry Friedman) and the late Leon Amstadter; beloved wife of Howard Lapping, happily married for 43 wonderful years; dear step-daughter of Frances Amstadter; loving mother of Carna (Don) Shea, Stuart (Amanda) Lapping and Renee (Kristofer) Knutson; cherished grandmother of Ivy, Josphine and Jack Shea, Devon and Dean Lapping, Aubrey and Kasey Knutson; much loved sister of Fred (Debbie) Amstadter; fond step-sister of Marilyn (Roger) Davis, Wendy (Dan) Schneider, and Cari Smyth; proud mother of her four-legged furry children Gibson and Derby; treasured sister in-law, aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Lori was known for many things - her unwavering devotion to her family, her deep love of music, and her signature color: green. If you saw something beautiful in that shade, it likely made her smile.
She was married to her high school sweetheart. Together they created a home filled with music, warmth, and the comforting hum of a vacuum cleaner.
Music was Lori's great passion. She was a gifted guitarist and singer who found her true joy with a guitar in her hands. Through song, she comforted, celebrated, worshiped, and connected.
Her kitchen was another place she shared her love. Lori's cookies were legendary to all who were lucky enough to taste them. They showed up at gatherings, celebrations, and "just because" moments, wrapping everyone who received them in sweetness and care.
Above all, Lori loved her family fiercely. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother to her three children, and a deeply cherished grandmother to her seven grandchildren. They were her greatest joy and the center of her world.
Lori leaves behind a legacy of music, devotion, faithfulness, and love. Her family will carry her songs in their hearts, see her in every shade of green, and remember her each time they hear the gentle strum of a guitar or smell cookies baking in the oven.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwestern Medicine, Catherine Gratz Griffin,Lake Forest Hospital Cancer Center.
Chapel service Thursday, March 5, 2026, 10:00 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service online, shiva, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.