1955 - 2026
Born in Boston on October 22, 1955, Lori was the daughter of the late Joseph H. and Marjorie L. (Munroe) DiVico. She grew up in Framingham and graduated from Framingham North High School during the tail end of the Flower Power era—surely dreaming of “tangerine trees and marmalade skies.”
Lori was a longtime resident of Franklin, where she built a life centered around family, love, and community. Her greatest joy began with the birth of her children, and she embraced her role as a mother wholeheartedly. She even ran a daycare from her home, filling her days with neighborhood children, laughter, beach trips, crafts, sports, and endless adventures—somehow managing it all with boundless energy and care.
As her children grew, Lori transitioned into a nursing career, where she spent many years caring for others in labor and delivery and general practice. She brought compassion, dedication, and positivity to her work each day. Her knowledge and nurturing spirit remained a guiding force for her family long after her retirement, as she was always the first call for advice, comfort, or reassurance.
In her later years, Lori embraced what may have been her most cherished role—being “Gram.” She was a devoted and loving grandmother who poured her heart into her grandchildren, spending as much time with them as possible. Her warmth, patience, humor, and joyful spirit left an unforgettable mark on each of them.
Lori’s life was defined by her infectious positivity and vibrant personality. She truly was a ray of sunshine—always upbeat, always smiling, and always finding the good in any situation. Her warm greetings and larger-than-life presence had a way of lifting spirits instantly. She was strong, resilient, and full of life, living each day to the fullest.
She loved reading, traveling, walking the beach with her husband and their beloved dogs, and staying active with countless hobbies. She built lasting friendships throughout her life and had a remarkable ability to connect with people wherever she went—often leaving with a new friend and, of course, knowing their dog’s name too.
Lori found her greatest happiness when surrounded by family, especially during holidays and gatherings. She treated her daughters-in-law as her own daughters and was a constant source of love and support to everyone around her.
She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Those who loved her will carry her memory forward every day—through laughter, love, and the simple joys of life she cherished so deeply. Her legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering positivity.
In addition to her husband and their beloved dog Beau, Lori is survived by her children, Mike Handley and his wife Ariella of Franklin; Matt Handley and his wife Terry of Abington; Jessie Handley of Franklin; and her stepdaughter, Nicole Wolf and her husband Matt of Loveland, Colorado. She was the proud grandmother of Ellie, Banks, Wilder, Anna, and Alex, and step-grandmother to Madison and Michael.
She is also survived by her sisters, Donna Allen of Shrewsbury, Margie Mineau of Woonsocket, Debbie Kay of Dennis, Elaine Orser of Wells, Maine, and Joanne Nevells of Franklin, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Carol Schmiz and Barbara Griffin.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, April 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street, Franklin.
Burial will be held privately at St. Tarcisius Cemetery in Framingham.
Donations in Lori’s memory may be made to the Friends of the Franklin Library
P.O. Box 147 located in Franklin. They can also be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place in Memphis
https://www.stjude.org/.
