Loralee H. Isham

Loralee H. Isham, "ogema-equay" – meaning "leader lady" in Chippewa, 50, of Tower, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

She was born on May 31, 1966 in Renton, Washington, the daughter of Lee and Laura (Connor) Isham. She grew up in Minneapolis, worked in janitorial services at the City Center, where she was a dedicated well liked employee. She was known for her good work ethic. Loralee had lived in Washington for 7 years, then returned to Minneapolis, lived in several cities and has been residing in Tower the past 8 years. She became disabled due to a car accident, but never gave up on life, always having a strong will and deep determination, despite her health concerns She was a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
Loralee was very active had a great social media skills, and stayed in touch with old friends while making new ones. She kept up with events and people on Facebook. Her family fondly recalls her as an enthusiastic Vikings football fan, and rallied for them in both winning and losing. She would often go for rides and enjoyed using her photography skills to take photos. She will be remembered for her fondness for spaghetti and mac soup, (ask a family member). But most of all she cherished time spent with her family. Ashlee lovingly recalls the start of each morning with her mother was a ritual of a cup of coffee and together watching "Supernatural" and "Bones" on television. Loralee had a zest for life and will be dearly missed by family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father Lee Isham.

Loralee is survived by;1 daughter Ashlee Isham of Tower; mother and step-father, Laura Isham and Joe Gonier of Virginia; 1 sister, Lori (Donovan) Littlewolf of Tower; 2 cherished grandchildren, Shaye Isham and LaNara Guenthner; her "baby" 4 legged companion dog, Bailey; along with many other special extended family and friends.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, (Dec.30th), at the Vermilion Family Wellness Center, Tower, where visitation will begin after 5:00 pm Thursday. Rev. Kevin Land will be the officiant. The casket bearers will be Ashlee Isham, Alyssa, Kyle, Josh, and Donovan Littlewolf and Joe Gonier. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.