Lori Ann Alicea

 Lori A. Alicea, 62, was ushered into the arms of her Lord on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Visiting Nurse Association, Valparaiso surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on June 14, 1961, she was the daughter of James and Brenda (Stout) Houle-Brodien. She attended Portage High School graduating with the class of 1979. Lori attended Ivy Tech Community College receiving her degree as a Computer Programmer Analyst, graduating in 1986. She developed software for most of the steel mills along Lake Michigan, Nisource and BP Amoco for 15 years. She also received her degree as a paralegal.

She married this wonderful man David Alicea in 1994, they shared 30 years of a God Centered marriage. Lori devoted her life to family from being her children’s biggest cheerleader and fan. Never missing a track or cross-country meet, to her eye gifting and talents with decorating her families’ events where nothing was overlooked, and everything was in place. Her infamous blog posts that would leave you with encouraging tears.

Selfless, funny, loud, vibrant hair, devoted, writer/poet, smart, faithful. A tremendous lady that was happy, witty, loving, honoring, faithful, and always thought of other people first. She marched to the beat of her own drum. It was important to her to leave a legacy to her children, and grandchildren. She did that through her blog (www.applesofgoldencouragement.blog) and column with NWI Times. She was known to leave encouraging messages and cards for people she cared about. Most importantly, she left her legacy by the example she showed through her relationship with God.

Lori leaves a legacy, the importance of giving back to others, the importance of quality time with a homecooked meal or cup of coffee. An appreciation for the smaller things in life, life taking the scenic routes.

Everyone that knew her well, knew her talents with crafts and glitter, writing her blog, poetry, reading, being involved with her church, decorating events and parties, cousin camp, watching her kids/grandchildren’s sporting events, having coffee with her friends and family, baking bread, cooking, spending time with her husband and best friend David.

She was a member of Living Stones Fellowship for almost 35 years heavily being involved with her church and activities like Life Group, and Marriage Class, Nursery, decorating for the Daddy/Daughter Dance and being a greeter.

She is survived by her husband David of Valparaiso; her children: Jacob (Crystal) England of Hawaii; Candace (Kyle) Cumbee of Valparaiso; IN Nathan (Kristie) Alicea of Chesterton, IN; Audra Alicea of Crown Point, IN; sisters: Denise (Brad) Ebert of Wanatah; Debbie Hritz of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Cova, Rosalee, Hollis and Kizzie England; Ethan Garrison, Ayva and Aubree Cumbee; Bristol, Brooklyn, Brody and Armani Alicea.

She is preceded in death by her father James Houle, mother Brenda Brodien, stepfather Roger Brodien; siblings: Belinda Houle, Mary Lipe and Mark Houle.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Living Stones Church, 909 Pratt St, Crown Point, IN 46307 from 11-1 pm. Funeral services will immediately follow with Dr. Ron Johnson officiating.

Graveside services will immediately follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family.