Lori E. Rappe, 54

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Lori E. Rappe, 54, of Monona, WI, died at the Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg Feb. 16, 2010, of brain cancer.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Gunderson East Funeral Home in Monona. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison.

Born Feb. 2, 1956, at Hillsboro, she was the only daughter of the late Patrick A. Rappe and Mildred (Johnson) Rappe. She married Steven Brezinski April 2, 1994. He survives.

When she was in grade school her family moved to Brookfield, WI, where she graduated high school. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1978, and, except for a few years in Chicago and Spring Green, lived in Madison and Monona until her death.

Ms. Rappe worked at the University of Wisconsin Foundation for over 20 years and was especially proud of her work in the building campaign for the construction of the new pharmacy building. She also did work in women's philanthropy and on behalf of the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

She was a volunteer and board member of many nonprofit organizations, especially those related to animals, and helped rescue lost animals. A pianist and vocalist, she was a member of the Madison Symphony Chorus.

She loved movies, music, gardening and riding her horse, Chance. She enjoyed spending time in northern Wisconsin and the Caribbean.

Survivors include her mother of Warrenton; three brothers, Rick (wife Gail) Rappe of Hudson, WI, David (wife Marie) Rappe of Hartford, WI, and Tim (wife Andrea) Rappe of Warrenton; eight nieces and nephews; and her pets, including Potcake Sassie.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Lori's memory may be made to University of Wisconsin Foundation, c/o Lori Rappe, or Women's Philanthropy Council Great People Scholarship, US Bank Lockbox, P.O. Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI, 53278-0807.