Friday
September 29, 2023 
Loran M. Lobdell-Matturro was born on June 24, 1964, in Plainfield, N.J. She left this world peacefully with strength, dignity, and grace on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, in Burlington, Vt., cradled in love and surrounded by family and friends while overlooking Lake Champlain with layers of misty mountains in the distance. She lived her life with strength and grace and was a trailblazer in all that she pursued.
Loran is preceded in death by her parents, father, Myles A. Lobdell (wife Patty Lobdell) and mother, Lois Starr Seeley (Hess) and stepfather, Lloyd Seeley. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael G. Matturro, his daughters, Claire E. Matturro (Leon Yerenburg), and Lauren Sieger (Michael Sieger), her granddaughter, Ariuna (mother, Claire Matturro), her brothers, John Lobdell (Heather), Thomas Lobdell, William Lobdell (Nora), and Donald Seeley (Donna). She is also survived by her nephews, Brett, and Kyle Lobdell who she loved dearly. Until her father’s death, Loran was always called his “Princess.”
Loran attended Voorhees High School where she excelled academically and held the school record for the 440m sprint. She also was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. After high school, she attended Katherine-Gibbs Secretarial School and College of St Elizabeth where she received a BS degree in business marketing (with honors). Loran spent her final semester abroad at Middlesex University in London where she furthered her studies in marketing. After this term, Loran solo-toured Europe, visiting 17 countries and 23 cities. She ultimately pursued a Mini MBA in digital marketing from Rutgers’ Business School.
With great courage and bravery, Loran explored many different careers. She was intelligent, resourceful and capable in so many different fields. She started her work life with 12 years at AT&T in Bedminster, N.J., where she supported executives before advancing into sales, marketing, and service management assignments. Taking a position as an account executive at Digitas, a creative, multi-media marketing company, brought her to Boston and San Francisco. After a transfer to San Francisco, Loran left Digitas and joined the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) as a fundraising and membership manager. IONS focused on the interconnected nature of reality through scientific exploration and personal discovery. While there, her passion for spiritual and health pursuits led her to Ashtanga Yoga Teacher training at Its Yoga in San Francisco and the founding of her own yoga studio as owner, operator, and instructor in Califon, N.J. Seeking new trailblazing endeavors, Loran started a 10-year career in solar energy sales. She worked at SunDurance Energy, SunFarm Network, and finally at SunPower Corp. competing with engineers to evaluate commercial and residential sites for suitability for solar panel use. Her continued passion for healthy living, motivated her to attend a Chef’s Training Program at The Natural Gourmet Institute (NYC), and pursue plant-based nutrition studies at the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies.
Loran had a lifelong interest in health, spirituality, design, and especially everything about Tiny Houses. She used a variety of jobs to learn about various topics of interest, fearless in her drive to learn while doing. She worked at Basil Bandwagon Natural Foods and a vegan Café “Grounded for Life” to learn more about healthy eating. She even worked at a marijuana dispensary to learn about the diversity of the products and the role of terpenoids. At her home with Michael in New Hope, Loran designed a garden, carport, and studio, and masterminded a plan to integrate it all into a unified theme. She enjoyed her home and had many plans to make the property, named Terra Divalis, into a welcoming place for family and friends.
Loran did volunteer work for the Tiny House Industry Association (THIA) and later was hired to continue her efforts to define a new position as the THIA outreach director/coordinator. The president of THIA said that she had “a passion for life and her commitment to the tiny home movement, for all the right reasons, was inspiring and a testament to her character. Her dedication and insight will be missed. Her contributions will live on in her web creation, the “TINY HOUSE RESOURCE MAP,” which is featured prominently on the THIA website. In mid 2023, Loran purchased her first “tiny” house and was joyously turning it into a home. This was one of her bucket list items.
Although Loran was fiercely independent for many years, she was a loving and dedicated spouse. She was a remarkable person who brought people closer together through her welcoming, positive nature, the look in her eyes, and a beautiful smile that could light up the room. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was described by many as a gift to the world, a unique and beautiful human, the kindest person who had so much love for everyone. Her magical spirit and kind, gentle soul will live on in our memories.
Loran loved animals. After the loss of her dog, Ruby, Loran volunteered with Animal Alliance in Lambertville, selflessly walking dogs and cleaning cages. She fostered 6 puppies and eventually kept the last two and named them Molly and Bella.
Loran loved to dance, a good whiskey, Spanish Tempranillo, a puff now and then, road trips, music, and “big reveals” on HGTV. She also appreciated a good rom-com and watching usually resulted in a few tears. Loran’s love of music led her to follow the musical journey of the band CB (Citizens Band) Radio hailing out of Wood Glen, N.J., where she served as their manager for a short while early on in their career. Through this experience she created lifelong friendships with Paul, Jay and Linda. Although Loran was very conscious of healthy eating, she really enjoyed the occasional hot dog, cheeseburger, cold pizza in the morning, or an egg and cheese sandwich while on her way to work.
Loran was deeply loved by her husband, family and friends and will be greatly missed. She will always be remembered for living her life with strength, grace and love.
There will be a celebration of Loran’s Life for friends and family, which will be announced later. Contributions can be made in her name to Animal Alliance in Lambertville or to any nonprofit group that helps with low-cost housing or support to those in need.
