Honoring the Life and Legacy of Lori Jarvis

By: Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO, Groundwork Ohio 

This weekend, I had the privilege—and the heartbreak—of attending the funeral service for Lori Jarvis, a devoted mother, fierce advocate, and one of Groundwork Ohio’s very first Family Action Network members. Lori passed away on October 11, 2025, at just 37 years old, after a valiant battle with cancer. She leaves behind her loving husband, Joe, and four beautiful children—Chloe, Charly, Joslyn, and Deleda—as well as many friends, family, and fellow advocates who were touched by her warmth, courage, and heart. 

Lori’s obituary describes her best: “[a] devoted family advocate whose heart and energy

were always centered around the people she loved most. As a dedicated mother, she poured herself into caring for her family with unwavering compassion and strength, always putting their needs before her own. Whether offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, or standing proudly from the sidelines, Lori was the biggest cheerleader for her daughters—encouraging them to chase their dreams, believe in themselves, and never give up.” 

That same love for her family fueled her advocacy. Lori was there when we launched the Family Action Network at the Ohio Statehouse, helping to kick off what would become a statewide movement to elevate the voices of parents and caregivers. Her advocacy with us took her all the way to Capitol Hill, where she met with members of Congress alongside the American Heart Association, courageously sharing her family’s story to inspire change. Lori’s advocacy also reached the heart of Ohio’s policymaking, as she gave powerful testimony during the state budget season before the Ohio General Assembly—reminding lawmakers what’s truly at stake for children and parents. 

The last time our team saw Lori and her family was during our Driving Change Roadshow stop in Southwest Ohio, where her smile and presence once again reminded us why we do this work. At her memorial service, among the many photos celebrating her life, were images of Lori advocating with Groundwork. Seeing them was deeply humbling. You never truly know what role you might play in someone’s story—or how profoundly their strength can shape your own. 

Lori’s impact extended far beyond the policies she influenced. In a video she once recorded with us, she spoke candidly about her hopes and fears for the future. She said she didn’t worry much about herself or even her husband—but she did worry about her daughters’ futures. “If I know I’ve given everything I could to my girls,” she said, “I’ll be happy.” And that she did. 

Her oldest began her first semester at Bowling Green State University this fall, and her youngest—who lives with cerebral palsy—just started first grade. All four of her girls reflect Lori’s image: brave, loving, and full of light. Each carries forward a piece of her strength and spirit, living proof of the difference one mother’s love and advocacy can make. She gave everything she could to her girls, to her community, and to the families she fought for. 

As I reflect on Lori’s life, I’m reminded that this work—the work of listening to and lifting up families—is sacred. We need policymakers to listen to families like Lori’s. You only get one shot at being a child and one shot at being a parent. We owe it to both to make it count. 

Lori leaves behind a powerful legacy of love in action. She taught us that advocacy begins at home, in the quiet courage of parents who refuse to give up on a better future for their children. Her story will continue to guide and inspire us at Groundwork Ohio, as we carry forward her light, her love, and her fight. 

Thank you, Lori—for everything.