Lorelei "Lori" Rose Wessel

Lorelei Rose Wessel, 72, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2025. 

Born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1953, in St. Louis, MO, Lori was very attached to her Irish “heritage.” She was a graduate of Dickinson High School and University of Delaware (Psychology), and later became an avid student of homeopathy. Lori was a steadfast employee of the Social Security Administration in Wilmington, DE, and then Philadelphia, PA, for many years until her much-deserved retirement in 2015. She was known for her strong work ethic, integrity, and leadership. 

Following her retirement, Lori and her husband of 46 years, Steve, celebrated life through travel.  One of her favorite adventures was her Ice Cream Tour in 2015. She and Steve traveled all around the United States and the world, and they especially enjoyed cruising with friends and family. Each summer, Lori gathered her children and their families for a summer vacation, most recently a weeklong Royal Caribbean Cruise.

Lori’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by the love of her life, Stephen E. Wessel, their daughters, Claire Dixon (Dan), Bridget Hackley (Justin), and Grace Wessel (Ryan Reed), and grandchildren Edda, Bayer, Maisy, Charlie, and 55-pound granddog, Bella. She is greatly missed by her siblings, Albert Rose, Jr. (Anna), Linda O’Brien, Martha Rose, and Michael Rose (Karen). Lori was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Albert F. Rose, Sr. and Shirley M. Rose, brothers-in-law, Timothy O’Brien and Ronald Wessel, and sister-in-law, Margaret "Peggy" Wessel, CSJ.

Lori was the ultimate Christ-like servant to all in her life. For over 30 years, she was a devoted caregiver for her husband and partner, Steve, while raising their family. She treasured her lifelong friendships and always made an effort to stay connected. She unrelentingly supported the causes important to her and those whom she loved. Time and time again, she opened her home, her heart, and shared her resources with those in need. She embodied the words of Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 from 5PM-7PM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 5th, 2025 at 10AM at Resurrection Parish, 3000 Videre Dr., Wilmington, DE, where family and friends may visit at 9:15AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Lori’s honor to one of the following organizations: Little Sisters of the Poor (Jeanne Jugan Residence), World Central Kitchen, Delaware SPCA/Humane Society, or Ulster Project Delaware.

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