Dolores Adeline Faller

Dolores “Lori” Adeline Faller, 90, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2017, at Orlando Lutheran Towers in Orlando, Florida. Her life was devoted to loving God as a faith-filled believer in Jesus Christ; adoring and serving her husband; loving her children, their spouses, and grandchildren; being a good neighbor; and praying unceasingly for those who needed God’s help. Lori was blessed to have a large family including, her wonderful husband for over 68 years, Donald E. Faller (deceased) and their six children: Marcus Faller; Kyle Fernandez (deceased) and her husband, Dr. Enrique Fernandez; Kimberly Willard and her husband, Randy; Donald Mark Faller; Krystn Faller; and Kelly Weir and her husband, Frank. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alma Smith; brother, William Smith; and sisters, Alma Laur and Elsie Park. The 15 grandchildren she cherished included: Lauren Fernandez; Erin Fernandez Rost and her husband, Bob; Adam Fernandez and his wife, Meaghan; Lindsay Fernandez Richardson and her husband, Wayne Richardson; Aliese, Andrew, Christopher & David Willard; Daryll Franchi and her husband, Billy; Weston, Madison & McKenzie Faller; Donovan, Lily & Charlotte Weir. Lori’s four great grandchildren include: Adam & Henry Fernandez; Jack Rost; and William Franchi. Lori began her journey in life on March 8, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan born to Arthur and Alma Smith. As the youngest of four children, she was raised in the era when Shirley Temple had the status of a Rockstar. Her mother made sure that her daughter had tap dancing lessons, learned how to play the piano, and had Shirley’s curls. Later, when she was raising her own children, Lori at times would spontaneously share her talent by humorously doing a quick tap dance while cooking in the kitchen. As a child, she also regularly attended movie matinees with her mother and always knew all the trivia regarding Hollywood movie stars. Most importantly, her mother taught her the value of prayer. Attending church and praying became a regular part of Lori’s life. Lori thrived at school socially and graduated as valedictorian from Southeastern High School, which was one of the largest high schools in Detroit. Her ambition was to become a psychologist. After high school, she then worked for a year as a secretary at the Chrysler Corporation, saving every dime so that she could attend Michigan State University. It was at MSU where she would meet the love of her life, Donald E. Faller. Both were immediately smitten with each other, and ‘Don’ proposed by their second date. After two years of courtship, they were married on August 28, 1948. They were a committed team, focused on building Don’s career and raising a family. Throughout their married life of 68 years, Lori would comment that there was no one like Don, the most wonderful man she had ever met. He helped her with everything. Lori’s true love and respect for Don was reflected in all that she did. From morning breakfast to honoring him the minute he walked in the door each evening, she focused on making sure the house was in order, and a delicious meal was on the table. Lori said she didn’t even know how to boil an egg when she got married, yet learned the basics of cooking from an aunt and grew to become the chef of gourmet meals for her man. She developed all the skills needed to entertain and became an outstanding, gracious hostess for Don’s clients and neighbors. She was a striking asset by Don’s side at conventions and social activities; they were a dashing couple. Lori was an intelligent, tactful conversationalist, filled with wit and humor. With Don, she lived gracefully and frugally, applying her own special brand of panache. As they moved many times to accommodate Don’s fast growing career, her inherent skills in design were reflected in her ability to decorate her homes with sophisticated taste, have beautiful perennial gardens, and make the best use of what God allowed her to enjoy. Whether it was making curtains and slipcovers for their new homes, or painting recycled furniture, Lori worked with Don to meet their goals and tightly manage their household budget. Tithing to their church was always a priority. As Lori and Don’s family grew to include six children, she continued to fulfill the role of corporate wife extraordinaire while meeting the challenge of managing a large family. At home, she was determined to raise children who could be independent and equipped for life by knowing how to perform almost any task. Whether it was cooking, cleaning, organizing, yardwork, or helping prepare for entertaining, everyone was recruited to be a part of the team and accomplish chores to meet the stated objectives. Lori said she was raising “all chiefs and no Indians”; her kids were developing the skills to be leaders. As a stay-at-home mom, Lori was highly productive. Without complaint, she was continually faced with Mt. Vesuvius piles of laundry with a wringer washer, line drying, and stacks of ironing, plus packing hundreds of school lunches over the years. She said she was so happy to have her own home and family that she did not complain; it was a blessing. During the time when white Wonder Bread was the popular choice for a sandwich, the Faller children only ate whole wheat bread, which she said was much more nutritional and intelligent. She was before her time. Lori also became accomplished in flower arranging, using a potter’s wheel, and doing ceramics. She was an excellent bridge player and had a good game of golf. Along with each day’s tasks, she always incorporated her prayer time, had special radio shows playing where she learned new cooking recipes, and was passionate about keeping up on the news. To keep her mind sharp while raising the family, she was a prolificate reader. James Michener was a favorite author. With the advent of pop psychology, she also enjoyed an endless stream of bestselling books, such as I’M OK –You’re OK and Games People Play to name just a few. Unknown to her at the time, some of her children were reading her psychology books too. There was always a stack of educational books and magazines available which she purchased for the whole family to absorb. She will also always be remembered for her dramatic, yet comical recitations like, ‘Twas a Dark and Stormy Night; The Big Bad Bed Bug story; To-Day—Here Hath Been Dawning; and her singing, Good Morning Little Sunshine, which she wrote for Kelly. Lori orchestrated numerous trips to museums, theatre productions, and historical sites so that her children would be infused with culture. With Don, she also made sure her kids had the benefit of annual vacations for special family bonding time, and allowed them the pleasure of fine dining at many restaurants. Along with knowledge and culture, Lori had a deep appreciation for anything God provided on earth—whether it was a flower, a sea shell, a fossil, or rock, she was in awe. She said she asked God to allow her to see as much of His creation a possible. As a result, she had the privilege of traveling all over the world. When she gifted unusual objects of art to her children, she’d remark, “Isn’t that exquisite? I wonder how they made it.” To her, arts and crafts were the result of mankind taking God’s creation and using it for something for us to enjoy. Lori was proud of her children; each had multiple talents. She was thankful that God had allowed her to parent them. One of her children became an exceptional blessing to the entire family; her special needs daughter, Krystn. With constant prayer, Lori became a huge advocate for Krystn’s neurological development. In Michigan, Lori aggressively networked to find the best educational facilities for her little girl. Later in Florida, Lori pursued extensive testing for Krystn at the Center for Human Potential at the University of Florida. She then diligently completed all of Krystn’s daily neurological exercises and coordinated the family’s schedule to do table top Doman Delacato brain patterning for her throughout each week. With Lori’s tenacious implementation, her daughter made enormous strides. Lori never stopped looking for the best workshops, job opportunities and circles of friends for Krystn. She and Don were completely committed to providing Krystn the best opportunities available. The greatest impact of Lori’s life was yet to evolve as her family matured. It was the growing gift of enormous faith and prayer. Lori had always been a strong advocate for the family to pray each night before bedtime and attend church weekly. No matter where the family vacationed, she insisted that a church be located for worship; Don made sure they got there. If there was a serious illness or accident, the whole family drew together in prayer. Whenever she saw anyone who needed prayer, she prayed for them immediately and she encouraged her children to do the same. She was intent on serving her neighbors and friends who were sick by providing meals and comfort. Lori also showed her deep love by blessing her children, grandchildren and other visitors to her home with warm hospitality and specially prepared meals. Yet, her most significant growth in faith occurred when she began studying the Bible. She later shared that being a student of the Bible was an honor given to her by God, through the Holy Spirit. Her sisters in Christ who accompanied her in Bible studies and prayer groups were also a blessing from God. She was committed to share that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man. Lori became a dedicated prayer warrior, and for over 20 years worked as a prayer counselor at TBN in California, and then at a Christian television ministry in the Orlando area. She was a proud supporter of Charles Stanley’s InTouch Ministries. Every morning, she did devotions with Don and prayed for every child, grandchild, and great grandchild in the family. Along with praying, Lori always emphasized the importance of constantly nurturing her marriage. She said that marriage was a four-letter word: w-o-r-k. Lori and Don attended marriage conferences and retreats to fine tune their communication up to the last decade of their lives. Don adored his wife and called her the most beautiful girl in the world. Lori gave him the strength and support to meet each day, and encouraged his prayer life and growth in faith. To see her was the boost he needed to meet life’s challenges. Below are the verses to Just Knowing which he selected to honor her; this poem was on display in their home throughout their lives. Just Knowing (Author unknown) Just having you around me makes life a thing of beauty and to make you happy will always be my duty Just knowing you are waiting inside our humble nest makes me find faith to journey putting forth my best Just dreaming dreams about you Makes everything worthwhile My heart ascends to heaven when I behold your smile Words never can do justice Or half profess your worth You are the greatest treasure I’ll ever find on earth Faithful wife and sweetheart Dear mother of our young You embrace the melody when tender songs are sung Stay with me always, darling This is my wish sincere For I’m the king of happiness Just knowing you are near We will miss Lori—wife, mother, Nana, and prayer warrior. She knew how to use each day to give glory and honor to God. In closing, she often recited her version of the poem To Day by Thomas Carlyle: To Day (paraphrased by Lori) So here hath been dawning Another new Day: Think, will thou let it Pass useless away? Out of Eternity This new Day is born Into Eternity, Soon to return. Behold it aforetime No eye ever did: So soon it forever From all eyes is hid. Here hath been dawning Another new Day: Think, wilt thou let it Pass useless away? In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lori may be sent to Hospice Of The Comforter, 480 W. Central Pkwy, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, or Bishop Grady Villas, 401 Bishop Grady Court, St. Cloud, FL 32770

Dolores Adeline Faller

March 8, 1927 - May 22, 2017