In loving memory of Lori L. Alexander - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Lori L. Alexander, 63, of North Fort Myers, FL, passed away on June 4—her birthday—surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Lori was born on June 4, 1958 to Carmen and Elaine Alexander in Lynn, MA. After graduating from Lynn English High School (1976), she graduated cum laude with a BA in English from the University of New Hampshire (1982), and received a Master’s Degree in Technical and Professional Writing from Northeastern University (1989). Lori also achieved certifications as an Editor in Life Sciences (ELS) and in Medical Writing (MCW).

Lori’s career as a medical communicator began at Lynn Hospital, and included work at Lahey Clinic, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the University of CA San Diego Extension, and the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)—her last position, as AMWA Director of Education. Lori also co-owned Editorial Rx, Inc., a medical writing and publishing business, with Deb Whippen.

Lori was also Editor Emeritus of the AMWA Journal and was the recipient of many awards in recognition of her writing, the most recent being the 2021 Swanberg Distinguished Service Award, given for distinguished contributions to medical communication or for unusual and distinguished services to the medical profession.

Lori met her beloved partner Deb Whippen in 1999 and they wed in 2014. Lori and Deb traveled widely, for work and pleasure. Guided by the many items on Lori’s bucket list, they attended 3 of 4 tennis grand slams, celebrating Lori’s 50^th birthday at Wimbledon and her 61^st at the Paris Open. Passionate about the holidays, Christmas was her favorite and she reveled in shopping the Christmas Markets in Vienna. Lori loved penguins and was able to mingle with them in their native habitat in Antarctica after crossing Drakes Passage. Lori also loved cats and anything feline as well as anything Disney.

Lori is held in the light by her church, Faith Presbyterian, Cape Coral, where she played hand bells, taught bible school, and drove members to service on the parking-lot golf cart. Her large community of loving friends (near and far) celebrated life with her and supported her during her illness, including Patty, Marianne, Peg, Janet, Freda, Terry, Debbie, Deb, Pat, Marie, Diane, Cindy, Jana, Anita, Dottie, Larry, Kate, Brenda, Trish, Christine, Rick, Susan, all the cooks, and so many others who sent prayers and cards across the miles and helped out in many, many ways, large and small.

Lori was predeceased by her parents, Carmen and Elaine Alexander, and her beloved nephew Eric. She is survived by her loving spouse Deb Whippen, sisters Charlene Savard (and Frank) and Joyce Reid, brother Steven Alexander, loving nephews and nieces Steve, Andrew, Julie, and Shannon, and six grandnephews.

Services will be held on Sunday, July 11, at 1pm at South Congregational Church, 60 Prospect Street, Peabody, MA. A celebration of Lori’s life will also be held in Fort Myers, FL, in the fall.

If desired, remembrances may be made in Lori’s name to the Make a Wish Foundation, Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary, Faith Presbyterian Church, or any charity of your choosing.