Lori Jean Weiss

Lori Jean Weiss, age 68, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on May 22, 1957, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to the late Earl Francis Williams and Vaughndelee Williams (Carpenter), Lori lived a life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Eugene “Gene” Weiss, the love of her life and constant companion. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and devotion. Lori is also survived by her children Mandy Glenn (Gerald), Traci Mengarelli, whose husband Kevin Mengarelli recently preceded her in death, Shannon Weiss, and Teairra Debs (Daniel). She was preceded in death by her infant son, Ricky Weiss.

Lori was the proud and devoted grandmother of Kyle Land, Brooke Weiss, Jessica Land, Brady Hutchinson, Rilee Weiss, Bailee Dorsey, Bree Dorsey, Tristan Valentin, and Sylah Debs. Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren Brianna Rodriguez, Tay Stanley, Jasey Tarlton, Taliyah Stanley, Zoey Tarlton, Ta’Miya Stanley, and Kailo Weiss, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her siblings Vaughndelee “Vonnie” Chabot (John), Earl Williams, and Robert “Bobby” DiZinno (Lisa). She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Linda Yanavich.

A devoted homemaker, Lori was the heart of her family. She greeted every visitor with a hug, a piece of candy, and an open heart. Stubborn in the most endearing way, she possessed a quick wit and a hilarious sense of humor that could light up any room. She loved watching game shows, playing Yahtzee, cheering for the New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Cowboys, and sitting outside with a cup of coffee and a baby in her lap. Deeply rooted in her faith, she faithfully supported her husband Gene in his ministry at First Baptist Church of Ocklawaha. She had a special way of making everyone feel safe, loved, and at home, often checking in with a simple text asking, “Whatcha doin?” and sending loved ones off with her signature “Ciao, Bella!” Her greatest love was her husband Gene, whom she called her safe place and could not sleep without being near. The love she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.