Born and raised in Buffalo, Szuniewicz graduated from Villa Maria High School.

She was fondly known as "Aunt Lory" to many in her East Side neighborhood.

She supported numerous community activities through her business and the 15th Ward Community Civic Association, an institution established in 1935 by her father, the late Frank Szuniewicz Sr.

She was also an active member of the Genesee-Pine Hill Small Business Association and served a term as the organization's treasurer.

An accomplished horsewoman, Szuniewicz won numerous championships for Western-style riding, including jumping, showmanship and games. Her love of equestrian pursuits led her to become a founding member of the Lou Eibel Corral in Holland. Szuniewicz and other riders contributed funds to purchase 400 acres of land to create the horsemen's club, which sponsors horse shows, trail rides and camp outings.

Survivors include two sisters, Annette Glica of Cheektowaga, and Dorothy Kaczmarek of Depew.