55 VISTA -- Pick up a sea shell, put it next to your ear and listen. Can you hear it? Do you hear that sound? That is the sound of heaven; cool breezes, warm beaches and ocean waves eternally beckoning you to come home and be at peace. This is where Lorena Katherine Cowell is and where we will all be, one day. Lori, affectionately known as "Jam Ma," left us and joined our Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008. She was married to her loving husband, Eric Cowell, for 22 years and her legacy will continue through their children and grandchildren for generations to come. Lori was always determined, never giving in to obstacles in her life and always giving to others along way. She fought cancer for over 12 years, all the time embracing and welcoming an ever growing family and group of friends.

Lori was born on December 10, 1952 in Oceanside, to Joseph and Eleanor Besecker. She was preceded in death by her eldest sister, Alexis Colicchio, and experienced a lifelong friendship with her other sister, Debbie Potter. They all loved growing up in Oceanside and enjoying long summers hanging out at the Beacons beach and the harbor. Lori graduated from Oceanside High School in 1971. Later in life, she graduated at the top of her class from Palomar College with a RN degree, after which she immediately began working for Palomar Pomerado Hospital in the ER and ICU. Carlsbad Beach was one of Lori's favorite places to bring her family.

Her love for the ocean brought Lori and Eric all around the South Pacific to remote islands and beaches where she learned the true meaning of aloha. She absolutely loved the Samoan and Polynesian people and was passionate about their culture. She loved and danced with Taupou and was recently bestowed with the name "Taupou Lalelei", meaning "beautiful "princess." She also loved and danced with Halau I Ka wa I Ka Hala and shared wonderful times with them. Lori's love survives through all of the people she has touched including her maternal daughters, Juliana Engelgau, Summer Davis, April Velarde, their families; and her son, Bruce Hawthorne; her step-children Shannon Borgeson, Tim Cowell and their families. Her joy and peace, the grandchildren, include Alex, Shelbie & Betsie Engelgau, Sage Davis, Ella Velarde, Brody & Caden Borgeson and Brenden, Ally & Taylor Cowell. Services for Lori will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at 2 pm, at the St. Michaels By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Carlsbad. The family would like to recognize your preference for either flowers or a donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. "We love you, Jam Ma, and we will miss your hospitality, your rocking chair, and your loving arms around us. Mostly, we will miss just being with you." Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com