I cannot believe it has been a year already.   I think of her often.  Anytime I see roller skating, lemon recipes, or HGTV about her hometown.    I reconnected with her about year prior to her passing and had many wonderful conversations with her on FB.  She was always the first to reach out if she thought something was wrong.   She was very caring individual with strong beliefs.   I am so happy I was able to connect with her after almost 50 years, I do not think it was a coincidence she connected with so many of her school friends in her last days on earth.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family, which she bragged about and loved to the moon and back.   RIP Lorretta, you are missed!

You were always there for everyone, you were so good to me. You lighted the room with streghtn, positivity, love and wisdom. I'm so glad I was able to be apart of your life. We stayed friends and you always checked on me. The world has lost a great women but heaven and her family and friends up there gained one. I love you always. I just made your famous chocolate candy you taught me. My heart goes to your children and grandchildren friends and anyone who loved you. You will be missed but never forgotten..♥️

I was very saddened when I heard the news of Loretta's passing. She was a strong lady , hadn’t been in touch with her is while, she will missed by many. 

Fly high my friend 

Loretta . . . you was one of my first friends and 'best friend I met after moving to East Peoria. We had some really good times, I'll never forget. . . and our Roller Garden days  (skating rink) 😁

I and Loretta were both born on the same day at the same hospital and our moms were in the same room. So technically I and Loretta were roommates for the first 2 or 3 days of our lives. Had some classes with her through school and we always laughed about our Halloween birthdays! Rest in Peace Loretta 🖤

Loretta sleeps in a more heavenly place now.  I like to think she has found peace, where no pain can touch her, and she knows greater joy in God’s presence than we here on Earth can possibly conceive.  Surely, she smiles down on us even now!

I was IM'ing with Loretta on 9/30 and all seemed right in the world.  A week later, not so much.   A couple of years ago I reconnected with her through Facebook.   As I read comments after she passed, I saw she had recently connected with several of our high school friends.  I do not believe this was a coincidence, I think God was sharing her beauty in this world with us before she left this earth.  We had a lot of the same beliefs and would often go to IM to discuss off line.  I once put a blue screen on my FB account in support of my Jewish friends and within seconds Loretta responded that she hoped it was in support of my hockey team, but if it was anything else to please call her and she provided her phone number  so we could talk if I was need of someone to talk to.   She was afraid I was struggling and I was "blue" and she wanted to be there as my friend.  Every time there was was bad weather coming my way in Florida I would hear from her to let me know she was thinking about me and praying for my safety.   She was a very loving, caring, strong willed person who will be missed.   My prayers go out to her family, friends, and co-workers.  RIP Loretta!

Shorty before Loretta passed I found a memory on Facebook where she shared a loving memory with me. Very typical of Loretta to do...sharing. The memory was of her Wedding. She was also sharing a photograph of my departed bothers and mother, also very thoughtful of her, she was kind like that. I also remember when my first brother passed she was there for me, being the motherly concerned person she was, making sure I ate, which I haven't, and she knew! Older, happier memories were family picnics or family visits to Peoria or them coming to St. Louis. I'll treasure her spirit of kindness and generosity of the heart. My condolences to my cousins and the rest of her family. I just keep seeing her dancing in heaven with Tom surrounded by her/ our loved ones. 

• I was so sorry to hear of Loretta’s passing. My sincerest condolences to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. I met  Loretta through Mimi. Both were advocates for children, and they were a great team. I was so glad I was able to reconnect with Loretta through Facebook. Loretta made the world a better place for those who could not speak for themselves. May you find comfort in your memories of Loretta and knowing  the positive impact she made on so many people of all ages.