Visitation: No prior visitation.
Service: A celebration of Life will be held this summer to fondly recall the memories of Loris’ life. **Online condolences will be accessible on Sunday, February 7th. WILLERT – Loris Marie
January 30, 2021. Loving daughter
of the late Norman and Bessie (nee
Bassler) Willert; dearest twin of the
late Doris (Richard) Crooks and sister
of the late Donald Willert; adored aunt
of Renee Willert Lenz, Donald (Cris)
Willert, Jr., Craig (Kristin) Willert,
Richard (Judy) Crooks, Jr., Robert
(Chris) Crooks, Michelle Willert and
Andrea (Tom) Clark along with nine
great-nieces and nephews; sister-inlaw of Peggy Willert. A graduate of
the University of Buffalo, Loris taught
physical education for many years
in both the Kenmore and Wheatfield
school districts. No prior visitation, a
Celebration of Life will be held this
summer to fondly recall the memories
of Loris’ life. Arrangements by THE
DIETRICH FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made
to the Erie County SPCA, C/O Loris Willert
Memorial, 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca,
NY 14224. Please share condolences online
at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com

On January 30, 2021, Loris Marie Willert, our dear aunt, went to galavant with her long lost and always missed twin, Doris Crooks and brother, Donald Willert, and dear brother-in-law, Richard Crooks. Loris was the daughter of Bessie and Norman Willert; niece of Esther Willert.
Left to carry on her ‘embrace life’ mantra, Loris is survived by: sister-in-law, Peggy Willert. As well as nieces and nephews Renee Willert Lenz, Donald Willert Jr (Cris), Craig Willert (Kristin), Richard Crooks Jr (Judy), Robert Crooks (Chris), Michelle Willert and Andrea Clark (Tom) along with 9 great-nieces and nephews.
Unlike how she lived – somewhat unconventionally and with a zest for life – Loris faded away after struggling for years with Alzheimer’s Disease. Luckily, she packed plenty into her active years, from early on playing nearly every sport imaginable, to later in life challenging others with her card and game playing finesse. Despite memory issues – Loris excelled with numbers and takes leave with the distinct title of Reigning Champ of Rumikube.
A love for dancing, even in costume, kept Loris busy for years. You could find her twirling around at Square Dance and Big Band events. Now she will be free from the aches and pains that sidelined her for a while, and able to dance without any physical constraints.
Loris loved all kinds of music, especially Frank Sinatra. While her home was her castle, she also loved tooling around in her Cadillac, even when she was unable to drive.
Loris was an avid outdoor person whether as a participant or viewer. She really enjoyed watching Buffalo Bill’s Football and golf, and following the ups and downs of Tiger Woods career kept her busy for years.
Despite a fear of water and not being keen on swimming, Loris savored time partying on her boat with friends and family. Many days were spent cruising and fishing on the lake, as well as fishing in Canada.
Truly a Dog Whisperer, Loris loved dogs and all dogs loved her. Babe, Duke, Duchess, Sandy, Charlie and rescued Jackson were blessed to have her for a companion. For years into retirement, she attended dog shows selling pooch wares. Loris was adept at training dogs, probably a hold over from her days as a PE teacher.

And what a teacher she was….
Loris was a graduate of University of Buffalo and served many years in the Kenmore and Wheatfield school districts.
Despite retiring from her long career as a Physical Education teacher, Loris stayed in teacher mode until the end – crafting helpful words of wisdom, sharing clever words of advice and always thinking outside the box, coming up with creative solutions.
Many a counseling session was had when you were with Loris, often involving a much loved beer or cocktail. A champion of underdogs, Loris encouraged all those she encountered and fiercely stood up for anyone she sensed was being treated poorly. One thing was for sure with Loris, you always knew where she stood with her opinion on any given subject and she didn’t suffer fools gladly, often heard muttering “Durn Fool”.
If you were lucky enough to be considered a friend, you had a loyal friend for life. Loris maintained relationships over the years, even with much loved precious ‘college chums’.
Even as she was struggling to understand what was happening in her world, Loris could be found waving, encouraging and giving the ‘thumbs up’ to those she crossed paths with at Heathwood Assisted Living facility, where she spent some of her last few years.
While she was not as physically active in her last years, Loris became a bird watcher and prolific colored pencil artist. She is leaving us blessed with many personalized pieces of art with words of love and encouragement woven in.
A celebration of life will be held this summer to fondly recall the memories of Loris’ life.

Well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a beer-of-your-choice can and drink it in her honor. And, remember to live life to the fullest and laugh, laugh, and then laugh some more – ideally while dancing.

If you wish to honor Loris, in lieu of sending flowers, consider making a donation the Erie County SPCA C/O Loris Willert Memorial. 300 Harlem Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224
Loris’s maxim, ingrained in us and which we encourage you to embrace, is: “Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think!”