Loraine “Lori” Russek, 70, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home, with her beloved grandson, Tommy, by her side on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Born on August 4, 1955, Lori lived a life grounded in faith, family, service, and enduring friendships. The true source of her happiness was serving others and offering help wherever it was needed.

Lori’s deepest devotion was to her faith. A faithful Catholic, her relationship with God guided her life and shaped her compassion and service to others. She was a dedicated member of her parish’s Altar Society and actively involved in numerous organizations throughout the community. Her faith was not only something she believed — it was something she lived each day.

Her husband, Tommy, who preceded her in death in 1996, was the love of her life. Their marriage formed the foundation of their family, and Lori carried his memory with her always. She spoke of him often and loved sharing stories of their adventures together, keeping those memories alive for her children and grandchildren. It brings comfort to her family to know she is now reunited with him.

Lori’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her 3 children and 15 grandchildren, Michael and Shannon (Lola, Kit, and Tommy); Christopher and Elizabeth (Joshua, Caroline, Emilie, Katherine, Grant, Charolette, Adeline, Josphine, and Martin); and Ashley and Larry (Avery, Luke, and Alayna). She was a steady presence of encouragement, strength, and unconditional love. Christmas was one of her favorite times of year, and she delighted in showering her grandchildren with an abundance of carefully chosen gifts, finding immense joy in creating happiness for them.

Friendship was another cornerstone of Lori’s life. She formed deep and lasting bonds throughout the years and was the kind of friend who showed up — in times of celebration, in times of need, and in everyday moments. Her loyalty and kindness made her someone others could rely on without hesitation.

Professionally, Lori dedicated more than 20 years of service to Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she served as Senior Director of Advancement Services within the Division of Institutional Advancement and the Texas A&M University–Kingsville Foundation. She was instrumental in the strategy and execution of events across the university and oversaw foundation accounting and advancement operations with exceptional diligence and integrity. If a student needed assistance, she would find it. If someone had a question, Lori had an answer. Serving the university community was not simply her profession — it was a reflection of who she was.

She was preceded in death by her father, Marion Underbrink; brothers, Tom Underbrink and Jack Underbrink; and brother- in-law, Eddie Thorton.

She is also survived by her mother, Loraine Underbrink; her brothers, Jerry (Carolyn) Underbrink, Ed (Kay) Underbrink and Robert (Laura) Underbrink; and her sisters, Patricia (Alan) Cumberland, Shirley (James) Barrington, Nancy Thorton, and Barbara Grayson.

Lori’s legacy is one of devotion, generosity, steadfast faith, and meaningful friendship. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church; with a holy rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.

To honor Lori’s life and enduring legacy, Texas A&M University–Kingsville has established the Lori Russek Scholarship Fund to carry forward her commitment to helping students succeed. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to this newly created fund to support future generations of Javelinas. Gifts may be made by visiting javelinagiving.org/russek.

Honoring Loraine as pallbearers are Micheal Russek, Christopher Russek, Larry Ochoa, Joshua Russek, Tommy Russek, Lance Underbrink, Lawrence Underbrink, and Daniel Underbrink.

Honorary Pallbearers, Grant Russek and Luke Ochoa.