Lori Sarner (Loris Ann) (89) of St Louis, Palm Springs, London and Chicago, died peacefully on January 29th, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Harvey Sarner for 50 years, and proud mother of Kyra (Giora) Sarner Levin, Subie (Alan) Banaszynski; Grandmother of Maayan (Ittai) Chorev, Noa (Eyal) Benvenisti, Yaara (Anthony) Lansing, Daya (Dor Marshal) Kanyas, Brenn (Stephanie) Banaszynski, Bryce (Korey) Banaszynski, Britt (Jesse Grider) Banaszynski, Bree (David) Wied and great grandmother of 12. She was the daughter of the late Maurine and Leonard Jelle, of Elk River, MN.
Born and raised in MN (she loved to tell stories about walking to school in the snow!). Lori was a leader, a trailblazer who was willing to step outside convention. She met Harvey at the University of Minnesota where they both studied. They married, had their daughters and established homes in Chicago, London and Palm Springs, CA. After Harvey’s death, Lori moved to St Louis to be near her daughter Subie and her family.
Lori Sarner was a woman of many interests and artistic talents. As a passionate advocate for therapeutic horse riding and a dedicated philanthropist, she was instrumental in the development of Pegasus, a therapeutic riding program in Palm Springs, California. Her commitment to equine therapy extended beyond the US as she also participated in the therapeutic riding program at Buckingham Palace. She treasured her time in London, where she maintained a flat and enjoyed the city’s vibrant society. Whether in California, Missouri or England, she embraced life with enthusiasm, generosity and a spirit of celebration. Together with Harvey, their contributions to the Palm Springs community were recognized with a star dedicated in their honor on the city’s Walk of Stars. They were explorers who traveled the world. As a lover of jewelry and clothes, she often wore pieces she collected on her travels. She had a deep appreciation for music, found joy in decorating her homes and particularly loved hosting parties, holidays and festive occasions. Her eight grandchildren brought her joy and contentment.
Her legacy lives on with her children and grandchildren, as well as the many others whose lives she has touched. She will be deeply missed.
The Banasynski family will be sitting shiva on Sunday (4-7pm) and on Monday (5-7pm); Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for shiva details and more information. The Sarner Levin family will be sitting shiva in Sarasota Florida on Sunday.
Donations in her honor can be made to either the Pegasus Riding Academy in Palm Desert CA (https://pegasusridingacademy.org/) or the Anti Defamation League-Heartland (https://heartland.adl.org/)
BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
