Resident of Pleasanton

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Lori Avalos Bennardo on Jan. 19th, 2025, a resident of Pleasanton, Ca, since 1997. Lori was born on August 24, 1961, in Berkeley, Ca, to loving parents Felix and Dolores Avalos, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her husband, Michael Bennardo, by just over three weeks. She is survived by her stepsons Brennan (Annie), and Devin (Benazeer); granddaughters Serena, Siena, Sierra, and Stella; brother Dr. Stephen Avalos (Jenn); beloved sister Sheri Avalos Jensen (John); nephew Dylan Jensen (Patty); and niece Andie Jensen. Lori is also survived by many cousins and her sweet companion border collie, Garbo.

Lori spent her early years in Berkeley, where she attended School of the Madeleine from kindergarten to eighth grade. There, she made lifelong friends, including her best friend since kindergarten, Kati Piller Snitselaar, with whom she had many adventures. She graduated from Presentation High School and University of California Berkeley, majoring in microbiology. Lori was an esteemed human resources professional, and she was valued for her intelligence, dependability, and interpersonal skills. She worked for Century 21 and Warmington Homes for many years. Lori retired sooner than expected after losing her vision. Although her sight was severely limited, she lived boldly and managed beautifully, even navigating for the directionally-challenged drivers in her life! She loved traveling with Mike, and they made several trips to Italy to explore their shared heritage, making friends everywhere they went. She enjoyed cooking, tending her vegetable garden, Pilates, and playing ball with Garbo by the pool. She attended music concerts, Cal football games, and S.F. Giants games. She continued to host family holiday dinners with stellar reviews.

She loved spending time with family and friends, most notably Sheri, Andie, and Kati, with whom she loved shopping, having lunch, or visiting the farmer’s market.

She was the entertainment at Madeleine girls’ weekend getaways. Lori will be best remembered for her vivacious personality, delightful and sometimes irreverent sense of humor, infectious laugh, astonishing memory, gift-giving skills, and beauty. If Lori was going to an event, everyone knew it would be fun! (And afterward, she could tell you what everyone was wearing.) Lori was small, but she filled the room.

As Shakespeare wrote: “And though she be but little, she is fierce.” Lori leaves an enormous hole in our lives.

Memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Lori’s name to Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael.