Gainesville Health & Fitness Sales Counselor Will Continue To Inspire After Death

“Everyday you could expect the club to be open and Lorrie being there,” said Karen Coley-Cannon, Gainesville Health & Fitness (GHF) staff since 1977.

GHF is sad to say goodbye to long-time fitness counselor Dolores “Lorrie” Hannon. Hannon recently retired from GHF after having spent 38 years as a fitness counselor. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 2, 2018. She was 93.

Hannon moved to Gainesville in 1978 after having spent 30 years with European Health Spas in New York, before moving to Florida to be closer to family.

“She was an amazing woman who sold fitness memberships for 70 years,” said Joe Cirulli, CEO and owner of GHF. “Do you think there is anyone else in our industry who has done that? It’s incredible. She had a true passion for being heathy and inspiring others.”

Hannon spent most of her career at GHF Women applying her passion to help women feel their best.

“She was the face of the women’s center,” said Coley-Cannon. “She helped me open that club and in the 38 years she was at GHF, she never missed a day.”

Hannon had an outstanding ability to make anyone feel comfortable the moment they walked into the room. She helped numerous people become members of GHF because she truly believed in the value of health.

“Whenever someone was inquiring about the gym, they joined because Lorrie didn’t talk about the health club,” said Cirulli. “She talked about how important health was and why she believed it could impact your life.”

Hannon once said, “I was given the opportunity at 5 years old to exercise and have exercised ever since. It inspired me to want to help other people to see how important exercise is in every person’s life.”

Hannon was devoted to her family, friends, career and GHF. She loved to celebrate the holidays and she never missed a birthday without sending a card in the mail. People that knew her would say, “Once she knew you she didn’t forget you.”

“The employees are like one big happy family and it has been very rewarding helping our members be the best they can be,” said Hannon.