Lora Yates

Lora A. Yates (Sielatycki) died peacefully, though unexpectedly, due to complications of cancer October 8, 2017 in Highland Park, IL at the age of 54. Lora is survived by her wife, Pamela Yates, and their 13-year old twins Max and Ella. She is also survived by her mother, Dolly Sielatycki of Kalamazoo, MI, siblings Vicki (Mark) Niswander of Mahomet, IL, Gary (Anita) Sielatycki of Portage, MI, Brian Sielatycki and Angela Kyger of Las Vegas, NV, Bruce (Karen) Sielatycki of Kalamazoo, MI, Jamie (Laura) Sielatycki of Salt Lake City, UT, Tom (Danielle) Sielatycki of Kalamazoo, MI, and Tonje Thoen Sielatycki of Salt Lake City, UT. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father John Sielatycki in 1976. Lora was born December 24, 1962 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Dolly and John Sielatycki. She graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1981. She earned a BS in Manufacturing Administration from Western Michigan University in 1986 and her MS in Engineering Management in 1993 also from Western Michigan. She and Pamela have been together for more than twenty years. Lora gave birth to Max and Ella in 2004 and their family was complete. Max and Ella remember their mom as one who made every day better and brighter for everyone around her. Lora was a dedicated community member, twice being elected to the Board of Education in Chatham, NJ where the family first lived. When they moved to Lake Forest, IL in 2010 they quickly became beloved members of the community. Lora worked as Senior Director of Operations at Sysmex America in Lincolnshire, IL and was an active member of the vestry at Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest. She loved coaching Max and Ella's teams. Lora was an outspoken champion for affordable health care and the rights of women. She could turn every hour of every day an adventure but the family's favorite adventures and memories were at Denali National Park in Alaska. Lora's unwavering positive attitude, her great sense of humor and her loyal friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Two memorial services are scheduled. There will be a service at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W Centre Ave., Portage, MI on Thursday, October 19 at 11:00am. and at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E Westminster, Lake Forest, IL on Friday, Oct 20 at 5pm. All are welcome to attend and join us in celebrating Lora's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to an organization of your choice that supports equality and justice for all. Arrangements handled by Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest, IL., www.wenbanfh.com