Lora Best

Lora Hegsted Best

April 6, 1957 – September 5, 2025

Lora Hegsted Best, 68, of Cold Spring, NY, passed away on September 5th, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and husband by her side.

Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, on April 6th, 1957, to Reginald and Josephine Hegsted, Lora carried that unmistakable Brooklyn grit with her throughout life. She was fiercely loyal, endlessly compassionate, and — let’s be honest — incredibly stubborn in the very best of ways.

Lora spent her life rescuing dogs, breeding horses, and spreading kindness to everyone she met, and refusing to let life’s challenges keep her down. A true spitfire, she fought with every ounce of strength that she had through her illnesses and never lost her sense of humor, strength, or compassion.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Keith Best; her son Kyle Best; her daughter Brianna Best and son-in-law Michael Bailey; and her beloved granddaughter Hadley Bailey — her greatest joy and the reason she fought so hard. She also leaves behind her sister Jacqueline Jansky and her brother-in-law Gary Best, along with many dear friends, and of course, her four rescue dogs. 

Lora’s strength, compassion, and humor touched everyone who knew her. She was kind to every person and anything with four legs that she met, and lived a life full of love, resilience, and grace. She was a force of nature who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and stood firmly for what she believed in. If you knew her, you were better for it.

A celebration of Lora’s life will be at Clinton Funeral Home at 21 Parrott St, Cold Spring, NY, on Friday, September 12th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. In true Lora fashion, she wouldn’t want us to mourn, but to celebrate — to tell stories, laugh, and remember her in joy. We ask guests to come dressed casually and comfortably. If you feel inclined, wearing purple — her favorite color — would be a beautiful tribute.