LA Times obituary published 11/15/2015. Available online at
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?pid=176511909
Gloria "Lori" Pearson (Zelner)
February 4, 1953 - November 2, 2015
Gloria "Lori" Lynn Pearson, of Lake Arrowhead, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to her Swedish parents Ethelyn and Edwin Pearson. Lori studied horticulture at Michigan State University and after graduating in 1975, moved to Southern California to begin a successful and enduring career in landscape architecture.
In 1977, Lori married and began a family in Tarzana. Lori was a devoted mother to her son, Brian, and her golden retrievers. Lori was the head buyer at Treeland Nursery, a leader in her local community of Melody Acres, an active member with the P.E.O Sisterhood, and a volunteer with Guide Dogs of America.
In 2004, Lori made Lake Arrowhead her home and dedicated herself to improving her local community by leading several organizations including: Soroptimist, the local historical society, Meals on Wheels, and the Arrowhead Arts Association. In addition, Lori created a well-known demonstration garden to showcase how adaptive and native plants can thrive with minimal irrigation.
Lori's favorite activities included sailing, kayaking, paddle tennis, cooking, hosting dinner parties, walking with friends, and attending musical theater. Lori was a world traveler (20+ countries across 5 continents). Her most recent adventures included an African safari, a polar bear adventure in Canada, a road trip through Yellowstone, and a tour of fall colors in New England.
To all who knew her, Lori was a loyal friend, a dedicated community member, the life of a party, a wonderful mother, and an amazing woman. Lori is survived by her son, Brian Zelner, partner, Jack Cooperman, sister, Elaine Pearson, along with nephews, nieces, cousins, and many dear friends. Lori was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Robert Pearson, and sister-in-law, Martha Pearson.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 22, 2015 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort. For additional information visit
www.lori.pearson.muchloved.com0j.dpuf