With heavy hearts, we share that Lorna Lee Whittaker passed away peacefully, at home in New Hampshire, on Tuesday September 17th, 2024.

Lorna was born on July 16th, 1954 in Haverhill, MA, and spent her early years in New England. She lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota for many years after that, where she raised her two children. She was a beautiful, hippie spirit that embodied positivity, kindness and joy. Lorna was sweet, but strong and determined, she was a nurturing soul, her heart always giving, with an endless capacity for love. Her presence brought warmth, comfort, laughter, and light into the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lorna is lovingly survived by her longtime partner, Dean Bottai, of Fremont, NH, and her two children, Tiesha Whittaker, and Justin Whittaker, as well as two grandchildren Daniel Rosario, and Lily Whittaker, her sisters Kathy Dipietro, Annie Parkhurst, and brother Bill Spencer, as well as former husband Bobby Whittaker. She will continue to be beloved by her dear friends, and extended family, close and afar. Lorna is predeceased by her mother Edith Spencer, brothers Walter (Skip) Spencer, Ralph Spencer, Scott Spencer, and sisters Shirley Mahaffey, Michele Spencer, and Linda Vezina, as well as several of her sweet friends who have already transitioned over.

Family  and friends were always a cornerstone in her life, her love for them was compassionate, patient, understanding, and unconditional. Her partner, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends were all at the center of her world, and her heart. She cherished each and every moment spent with them. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a camping trip, a concert, or just a quick visit at home, her love for them all shined brightly. Her legacy of love and kindness will forever remind us of the importance of cherishing those who mean the most to us.

One of her most unique qualities was her boundless capacity to welcome others, with an open heart. She was always the "cool, fun mom" who was there for all the kids coming by her home. She held an air of youthfulness about her that made you right at home no matter how old you were. Whether it was a listening ear, a comforting hug, words of advice, or sassy insight, she was always there for those she cared about. She had a unique ability to make people feel welcome and part of her family, her circle was never ending.

Lorna had a love of many different things, and a multitude of talents. Music, sports, nature, gardening, cooking, and crafting were a few of them. She would spend days knitting the perfect hats, and embroidering delicate cross stitch pieces, and quilts. She loved her hybrid lilies, and hydrangias, her favorite flowers were Lily of the Valley. Her grandson Daniel credits her with his passion for the Celtics and the Patriots, they were often decked out head to toe in all the gear together. Her taste in music was refined, she loved going to concerts, some of her favorites were Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Led Zepplin and all of the original blues artists. She talked about her time spent at Paul's Mall & The Jazz Workshop on Boylston Street. Her adventurous, carefree soul would have been at Woodstock, if she hadn't gotten lost in NYC.

We will all be forever grateful for the beautiful moments she gave us and for the love she showered upon us. We were all lucky and blessed to have loved her equally, and have been part of her life. She will be deeply missed, but around us in spirit always. She would never end a conversation with goodbye so in her words we say "see you soon" you gorgeous, glorious queen bee! Shine on as you did here on earth, and please dance with your loved ones on the other side as wild as ever. We love you a "william" Lorna Lee, thank you for all of the graceful beauty you brought to us.

Services will be held at a later date, including a celebration of life to honor her.

"So I'm back to the velvet underground
Back to the floor that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was
To the gypsy that I was.."

-Fleetwood Mac