Lori Jo Panasci, 52, of Meadow View Nursing Center, Berlin, formerly of Somerset, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 21, 2017.  Born March 19, 1965, in Somerset.  She is the daughter of Nicholas Panasci and Arlene Faye (Baer) Panasci, who passed away March 25, 2016.  Preceded in death by her parents; brother Nicholas A. Panasci, who passed away February 22, 2016;  niece Treena Burkett Roddy; and Aunt, Verna Mae Hoffman (Gram), who passed away April 25, 2017.  Survived by loving sister, Kathleen A. Brilhart, married to (special brother-in-law) Les J. Brilhart, Somerset; Uncle Arthur E. Baer, Somerset; nephew, Richard “Shane” Burkett and wife Missy, Friedens; Angela Marie Hoffman, Somerset; Sonya Jean Panasci, Somerset; Anthony “Tony” Panasci and wife Gloria, Boswell; and, Dr. Nikki S. Armstrong, Orlando, Florida, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. Lori was a 1986 graduate of the Somerset High School IU 08 Class and was a participant in Special Olympics many years ago.  Lori was one of God’s special children who made everyone she met feel special.  She never knew how to be mean and never had a bad word for, or about anyone.  She loved everyone unconditionally.  If you asked Lori how she was doing, she would emphatically respond, “Great”, regardless of any problems she was having.  Lori loved to look at pictures and watch classic sitcoms on her DVD player.  She loved watching game shows and cooking shows on TV, as long as the host and characters portrayed a happy attitude. Lori loved the company of others and was at her happiest, and loudest, when her family was gathered together and conversations were flowing.  Although she may not have truly understood what was being said, she would chime in with words from her own language, that we dubbed “Loriese.”  Holidays were extremely special to Lori, especially her birthday.  Her calendar revolved around the holidays and was capped off every year with Thanksgiving, because she knew, beginning the day after, she would be able to wear her Santa hat every minute of every day until Christmas had passed! Christmas was the ultimate for Lori, but despite Santa and the presents, Lori’s Mama taught her what the real meaning was all about.  Lori would tell anyone that Jesus lived in her heart and it was evident by her love for others.  Lori was loved and she loved her family, including those who have recently passed as well as those she leaves behind and are closest to her, Sissy and Ba and her special cousin, Lori (Custer) Shaulis, affectionately known as “Lorisaw.”  Despite her limitations, she was an inspiration to all who knew her and demonstrated what kindness and living life to the fullest are all about.  We will miss Lori’s smile, her constant talking and her contagious laughter!  We were all truly blessed to know her and praise God for the time he allowed His special child to spend with us.  A special thank you to the Interim Hospice staff and to the staff at Meadow View Nursing Center, who become Lori’s friends over the past year.  Friends received 10:00 to 12:00pm, Wednesday, at Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Somerset where funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon.  Pastor Samuel L. Coughenour officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Abundant Life Christian Center, 306 Plank Road, Berlin, PA, 15530. www.haugerzeigler.com

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