Lori Adam

Dolores "Lori" Adam (née Dzialga), born on April 2, 1939, to Agnes and Frank Knab, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024. Lori was first married to Frank Dzialga, with whom she had five children: Mary Jean Taylor (Keith), Maureen Bommer (Steve), Mark Dzialga (Kirsten), Jennifer Kalbfell (Daniel), and Daniel Dzialga (Brigid). Frank passed away in 1972 and Lori went about the task of singlehandedly raising their five young children. In1991, Lori married Andrew Adam, welcoming three stepchildren into her life: Andrea Link (Jeff), David Adam (Kathy), and Jerry Adam (Ann). Lori was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Theresa Brennen and Elizabeth (Bill) Eichhorn as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lori faced many tragedies, including the loss of her first husband, the premature deaths of two grandchildren, her daughter Maureen in her forties to cancer, and most recently, her second husband. Because of this, Lori knew how fragile life was and chose to live each day to the fullest. Her legacy of family, faith, and resilience is cherished by all who knew her. Her dedication to her family was unwavering. Despite the many challenges after Frank’s death, Lori always maintained a positive attitude and understood the importance of hard work and education. She instilled these values in her children. All graduated from college and continued on to earn post-graduate degrees and professional certifications. Lori, too, was a lifelong learner, graduating from Bishop Newman High School and later attending Bryant & Stratton College while her children were in high school and college.

Lori thrived in multiple careers, including office manager for her brother's construction business, Knab Brothers and in payroll/accounting for several companies, most notably Merchant's Mutual Insurance where she retired from in 1997. As a devout Roman Catholic, she was an active member of St. Edmunds parish and St. Pius. Lori attended mass almost daily and prayed the rosary nightly. She held a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She also had a servant’s heart. She volunteered with several organizations through the years including Kenmore Mercy, Buffalo Clown Alley, Make A Wish, and most recently at the St Gregory the Great Café. Lori's passions extended beyond her faith and family. She was an ardent DIY enthusiast, skilled in home improvement and sewing. She even started her own business in the 70’s and sold custom draperies. She was business savvy and intrigued by the stock market. She tuned into the financial channel nearly every afternoon. She was also celebrated for her culinary talents. Her specialties included homemade soups, pies, and of course – sunshine cake. Lori was renowned as the world's best cleaner. Germs feared her! She could remove any laundry stain that the grandchildren threw her way. She took pride in her garden, loved to walk and ride her bike, and enjoyed time spent at the pool and beach. She was also an avid reader. Lori delighted in playing board games and cards, particularly with her grandchildren.

Lori instilled many valuable lessons to her children and grandchildren – one of which was the responsibility we have to care for each other – to stand solid when someone needs our support or to lean in when life gets tough. To this end, the circle of love she’s created endures. A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Lori's life will be held at St. Gregory the Great, 200 St. Gregory Court, Williamsville, NY 14221, at 10:30 am on August 2, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Julia’s Butterfly Foundation (www.juliasbutterflyfoundation.org), established in memory of Lori's grandchild, Julia, who passed away at age 8. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright, colorful clothing in celebration of Lori’s life.