Loretta was born at Women’s hospital in Cleveland 94 years ago, the oldest of seven children. As the oldest, she was a second mother to her siblings, helping her mother as much as she could.

She loved spending time at her Grandmother’s, and would tend her garden and bring food home for her mom to can and put up at home.

She went to Our Lady of Mercy grammar school and got a scholarship to Lourdes Academy. She studied music, and loves listening today. She uses using her record player and boom box as well as streaming on her phone.

After high school, Loretta worked for Sherwin Williams, as a mail girl. She delivered mail to all the executives, who would tell her they appreciated her smile and happy attitude.

She married the love of her life, who became a captain in the Lakewood fire dept. He died at 60, and Loretta never wanted anyone else.

Loretta’s life is centered on her family, and her faith. Her home is filled with family photos, and the candles she lights, as she starts each day with prays for her family and others. After the children were grown she concentrated on volunteer work, in her church and community.

Loretta never got a license, preferring to have a driver to get around. She volunteered at St Patrick’s parish, serving as longtime president of the 55 Plus Club. She was also honored for 6000 hours as a volunteer at Fairview Hospital

Family is still the most important to her, and she loves to spend time with her kids, six grandchildren and 4 great grand kids. You may have seen her wearing the Red Coat in Public Square, since she still volunteers at Playhouse Square with her daughter, and keeps up with the latest shows.

She would like to be remembered as someone who reached out and helped others whenever she could, from childhood through today.

Her advice to women today, is go with the flow. Help others and it all comes back to you. She truly lives a blessed life.