Lori Anne Ratzburg's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Lori Anne Ratzburg, 57, announces her passing just under a year after being diagnosed with cancer. Lori passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2024 surrounded by family and friends at her home in Glen Burnie.
Lori is survived by her husband of 32 years, Dave Ratzburg; her son, Brian Ratzburg; her daughter, Amy Fanning and husband John-Michael; her granddaughter Olivia, and her second granddaughter to be born at the end of the month; her brother, Rob Budny; and sister, Trish Speake.
Lori was born in California, and spent her early childhood living in various countries (Turkey, Germany, the Philippines) as her father was in the United States Air Force. His final duty station was at Ft. Meade, where her family ended up settling. She remained a resident of Maryland, where she met her beloved husband Dave, after watching him play a softball game with their mutual friends. After the game, she told her friends that he was the man she was going to marry, and 32 years later, she was quite right. They loved each other deeply and their partnership over the years was beautiful to see.
A few years after getting married, Brian was born (followed by Amy a year later) and she became a mom. Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her would describe her as an incredibly selfless, supportive, kind, and beautiful person. These qualities (among the many others) made her the best mom, and her kids are eternally grateful for the love, support, and strength she's given them. She became a grandma (known as Gaga). She loved Olivia with all of her heart and would often jokingly remind her family that she was #1 on her favorite list. She would always say she was the happiest when just spending time with her family.
She loved to travel, whether it was camping at the beach or trips to tropical destinations, and she was always planning the next adventure. She spent her down time crocheting, making things for the people she loved (especially when new babies were born). She was often buying new crochet patterns and trying out different projects to give to others. She was also an avid yard saler and would take pride in the deals and treasures she would find.
For her professional life, she started her career in banking as the youngest teller on the floor and was quickly promoted through the ranks of the private banking industry where she worked for 24 years.
In 2008 she began working at the Maryland Department of Commerce, as a Business Development Representative for Anne Arundel County. In 2022, Lori was promoted to Senior Director, Regional Growth and Retention, the career accomplishment she was most proud of. The joy she had when working with and supporting Maryland companies was infectious. She loved her job and the people she worked with. She was a mentor to so many, and cared deeply about supporting others careers and professional development.
There are so many things to say about the wonderful life Lori led, but ultimately, the stories shared by family and friends all have a common theme, she was a phenomenal person. Those who knew her and felt her impact will carry it with them for the rest of their lives, and she will be forever loved and honored. She will be deeply missed by us all.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lori can be made to her favorite rescue, the Senior Dog Sanctuary in Severn, MD by going to https://sdsanctuary.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=18643.
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