Donna Lorraine Dent

It is with heavy hearts we share the peaceful passing of Donna (Lori) Lorraine Dent on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by her adoring family. Lori was truly a beautiful soul - a woman whose radiant smile, tireless strength, and unconditional kindness touched all who knew her. She faced her battle with cancer with extraordinary courage, never allowing her illness to dim the light she brought to the world.

Known for her boundless energy and warmth, she always had a way of making everyone feel special and deeply valued. Lori was a woman of action, always on the move ready to lend a hand, solve a problem, or give a hug. She had an unbreakable spirit and an enormous capacity for love, a true inspiration to her family, friends, coworkers and all those fortunate enough to cross her path. Lori was often seen with a phone to her ear at any time of day or night putting out fires or helping those in need. She had her own language affectionately known as "Lori-isms" which would bring her children to fits of laughter.

Lori had a long career making a difference in so many lives. Lori's life centered on children. As a teenager she served many years as a camp counselor at the Elks Camp Moore, a camp for special-needs children in Haskell, NJ. Later, after a short few years as a Human Resource professional, and the birth of her first child, Lori changed her focus to caring for children, first as Daycare Provider for over 10 years and then serving as a Recreation Director in Midland Park, Oakland, and Mendham. Lori ended her career as the Parks and Recreation Director in Montville serving there for 10 years. She literally touched thousands of lives tirelessly working long hours to provide exceptional programs to both adults and children in the communities she served. Along the way, Lori has been a true role model for hundreds of young adults who worked for her in summer camps, showing them what it means to go above and beyond at all times. Lori has stayed connected with so many of these camp counselors who have grown up, married, and had kids of their own, never forgetting the life lessons they learned working for the incredible "Mrs. Dent!" Her extraordinary effect on so many has rippled through the lives of countless people over many decades.

Lori had a fierce and unrelenting love for her family. She was always at the center of their lives, encouraging, inspiring, and advocating for them in every situation. She was the rock! Lori's favorite memories are the times she spent on the many vacations they took as a whole family to Hawaii, St John, St Thomas, Cancun, Disney World, and Hilton Head. She loved long train rides and hiking numerous mountains across the country with the love of her life by her side. Lori loved the many places she and Jim traveled to in recent years, including long hikes in Montana and Wyoming. Long Beach Island was one of her most favorite places as it combined beach, family, and staying with her best friends, Jill and Dave Altana.

Lori is survived by her adoring husband of 40 years, Jim; her parents Carol and Jim Matthews of St. Petersburg, Florida; her children Chris Dent (Jenny), Jennifer Carrasquilla (Brian), and Lisa Loranger (Tim) as well as three beautiful granddaughters; Evelyn, Cora, and Eleanor who love their Mimi to the moon and back. Lori is also survived by her mother-in-law, Shirley Dent, whom Lori took into her own home to care and advocate for as the second mother that she considered her to be. She is also survived by her sister in law Mary Crumholt (Curt) of Central, Louisiana and brother in law Walter Dent (Tamela) of Craigsville, Virginia. Lori was predeceased by her her brother Jimmy Matthews, father-in-law Harry Dent, and her godson Michael Altana.

Lori leaves behind a legacy of strength, beauty and unwavering love. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of those who will always love her. In death as in life, she will be an inspiration to everyone who has known her and be the face of true love to the world. Although Lori will be deeply missed and forever cherished, she will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 12 to 4 PM at the Oakland Memorial Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Elks Camp Moore https://www.njelkscampmoore.org