Lori Ann Fisher

Lori Ann (Bates)Fisher, 47, of Scotland, wife of Michael Fisher, died Sunday morning Feb. 26, 2006 at Windham Hospital after suffering a heart attack at home. She was born in Bristol, CT. on Sept. 12, 1958, the daughter of James and Paulyne (Oakes) Bates. Lori graduated from Bristol Central High School and went on to the University of Connecticut where she received her degree in Physical Therapy. Lori s love of children led her to specialize in pediatric physical therapy throughout her career. She was employed at the Newington Children s Hospital where she worked in various clinics, her favorite being the spina bifida clinic. She was instrumental in beginning the Cruisers , a wheelchair sports program for physically challenged children. Upon moving to Scotland she worked for EASTCONN, and then for the past 16 years has been self employed working with children in the Regional District 11 school system. Lori was a great advocate for the children she worked with. She was never afraid to voice her professional opinion and was always willing to go the extra mile if she thought it was in the best interest of the child. Although she had high expectations and demanded a lot from the children she worked with, they all seemed to love and respect her. Through her involvement with the Cruisers and her employment in the schools, Lori directly touched the lives of hundreds of children and their parents. Lori was a member of the Christian Fellowship Church in Scotland where she enjoyed many close friendships. In addition to her husband Mike and her parents, she is survived by her four sons, Christopher 14, Michael 17, and Billy 19, all of Scotland, and Steven 22, his wife Staci, and their children Zach, Anna, and Makaila all of Bremerton, WA. These boys were the light of her life and they will sadly miss her love and guidance. In addition she leaves her grandmother Florence Oakes of Bristol, her brother Jim Bates, his wife Ann, their two sons Michael and Jordan of Cheshire; and her sister Donna Jandreau, her husband Brad, and their two daughters Kayla and Marisa of Plainville. She also leaves her Fresh Air Fund son Toshiem Newkirk, of Brooklyn NY, who has spent summers with Lori and her family for the past seven years. Lori also leaves countless friends from work, church, and friends she made from her deep involvement in the activities of her sons. She will be missed by all, and we are all better people for having known and loved her. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Rte. 195) in Willimantic on Thursday between 5:00 and 8:00 PM. Her funeral will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Christian Fellowship Church on Route 97 in Scotland, with burial to follow at the Scotland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers her family suggests memorial donations be made to the Christian Fellowship Church, PO Box 344, Scotland, CT. 06264 or to benefit the "Cruisers" with checks payable to Foundation of Special Care-Cruisers Program, 2150 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT. 06053. . For online memorials, please visit www.potterfh.com .