Lehner, Lori Ann

KINDERHOOK- On Sunday, January 31, 2021, Lori Ann Lehner, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at the age of 61 after a brief illness.

Born on May 31, 1959 in Albany, Lori was the oldest child of Richard and Shirley (Farrell) Lehner. Later known as the “mayor of Halter Road” in Glenmont, Lori resided on that small street for most of her life. Her early years there were full of those activities that every child enjoys; sledding down the neighborhood hill, playing 4-square on the street, ice skating on the nearby Normans Kill Creek, annual fireworks hosted by the Bohls’, seasonal door-to-door caroling and exploring the surrounding woods. As an adult, she became the historian of the street; always providing reference when someone wanted to know something about a house or a family. She loved telling those stories. ...and there were many!

She graduated from Bethlehem Central High School, State University of New York; and received a master’s degree in psychology from Russell Sage College. Lori devoted her career to the protection, welfare, and development of children in New York State. Lori’s first job was a residential counselor at The Charlton School in Burnt Hills, NY in the late 1980’s. Next, she worked for the State of New York for 31 years, retiring from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) in 2020 having served as Director of Oversight and Monitoring for the last 5 years.

Lori had a big heart and often wore it on her sleeve. She had an enormous well of empathy and compassion for those who were less fortunate, disadvantaged, emotionally troubled or struggling to cope with life’s challenges. As a great listener, she often served as counselor and trusted advisor to help people work through their problems.

Lori had a gift with words and nearly chose journalism as a career path. She was often the author or editor of well-crafted letters, articles, essays and papers for her friends and family. Her gift with words extended beyond the written word. She enjoyed meaningful conversation or debate on almost any topic and kept up-to-date reading books, journals and especially the Sunday New York Times.

In 1992, Lori left Halter Road to marry and raise a family. The birth of her daughter, Candace Cassidy, was the highlight of her life. The doting mother, Lori was involved in all of Candace’s activities; softball, Girl Scouts; and traveling. She regularly planned wonderful trips for herself and Candace to expose her daughter to the world outside of New England. Candace’s cousin Mary was a frequent companion on many of these trips. Walt Disney World was a favorite destination; however, ski trips, vacations in California, Germany and Cape Cod were just a few of the places they made memories. An avid photographer: she took numerous photos of these excursions and catalogued them for Candace.

With much energy and passion, Lori excelled at various hobbies throughout her life. These include music, traveling, photography, gardening, cooking, needlework, reading, and cycling. She enjoyed gathering family and friends at home sharing produce from her garden or local farmer’s market and creating delicious meals for all to enjoy.

To better support her parents as they approached their senior years, Lori returned to Halter Road in 2010; buying a home just “two doors” away from her family home; and “five doors” down from the man she met, fell in love with and married, Bob Kolar.

Those years Lori spent on Halter Road were the foundation of so many memories and as well as strong and lasting friendships. In good times and in bad, Halter Road always came together to celebrate, pray, cry, or just talk. Still, it became time that Lori and Bob combine homes and “the mayor” agreed to abdicate her role when they purchased their dream home in Kinderhook, NY. After 60 years on the west side of the Hudson, Lori remarked: “I’ve crossed the river.”

Lori was proud of the many friendships and relationships she developed while working for the OCFS. She was particularly proud of her department, their role and positive impact on children and their families. She was truly stunned when her department pulled off a surprise retirement party during the COVID-19 pandemic in her own home! (socially distanced of course.)

Lori is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Candace; her sister Joanne Lehner (Jon Belinowiz); her brother Richard Lehner (Signe); nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Shirley Lehner.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local foodbank. Lori would like that.

Lori’s funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 8, 2021 at 11:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with her family at the church prior to the Mass from 9:30-11:15 am. Masks, social distancing and occupancy restrictions will be observed.

Interment will follow the Mass in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont, NY