
CoLs
For more than 40 years, Loretto Co-members have enriched the life of Loretto. Their presence is reflected in relationships, service on committees, financial support and participating in the many missions of Loretto. Learn more about the Co-Members of Loretto.
Welcome to our newest co-member, Joyce Minkler! Joyce was accepted into co-membership on February 24, 2021. Joyce has been a long-time friend, co-worker and neighbor of Loretto, participating in community life and supporting Loretto’s environmental work. Her formal acceptance into co-membership will enable her to be a fully participating member in all aspects of Loretto…
Read MoreIn a letter dated Aug. 13, 1986, Co-membership Coordinator Mary Fran Lottes wrote to the Executive Committee, “I recommend that Jim Funk be accepted for co-membership. … Jim was educated by the Sisters of Loretto at St. Patrick School in El Paso. He is a co-worker and close friend of Leticia Lopez, who became a…
Read MoreEditor’s Note: Our thanks to Martha Fly’s nephew, David Schoeni, for sharing this obituary with Loretto. Martha Marie Fly, age 75, died peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 30, after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease and post-polio syndrome. A memorial service will be take place 3 p.m. EST Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Loretto…
Read MoreEditor’s Note: Jossy Eyre died on April 20, 2020. Her legacy lives on as WBP continues its work with vulnerable women. Remembrance written by Tamra Ryan, CEO, Women’s Bean Project. Jossy Eyre founded Women’s Bean Project (WBP) in 1989 as a result of her volunteer work at a day shelter for homeless women. Jossy saw…
Read More“What a kind and generous person!” That is the most frequent description of Barb Light. She was always present when needed, agreeable to do anything to help —transportation to and from the airport, serve on a hospitality team, work with Loretto members on health care, and many other services. She was always cheerful, funny and…
Read MoreAuthor’s Note: The following is drawn in large measure from a remembrance by Margaret Blessum, the youngest of the Blessum family, in celebration of her older sister, Joan. It was delivered by Margaret at the service before Joan’s burial in Louisiana. There were 10 children in the family of Ray Benjamin and Maynelle Stevenson Blessum. …
Read MoreOn Aug. 15, the Loretto Community celebrated the 50th anniversary of co-membership. Begun in 1970, Loretto co-membership has provided a way for those who share Loretto values of community, spirituality and mission to “work for justice and act for peace.” “Alone, I am but one voice, one small person, trying to make a difference in…
Read More“When we let the Spirit lead us it is impossible to know where we are being led. All we know, all we can believe, all we can hope is that we are going home. That wherever the Spirit takes us is where we live.” — American writer Alice Walker In 2020, Loretto Jubilarians celebrate important…
Read MoreGay DiCerto Lenox was born in El Cento, Calif., May 19, 1935. She was baptized Gaetana Angela, but was known as Gay. Her parents were Valentino and Angeline Christine DiCerto. Gay had three sisters, Angie, Valerie and Anna, and two brothers, Valentine and Salvatore. Having been Salutatorian in high school, Gay worked her way through…
Read More(The following obituary was kindly provided to Loretto courtesy of Norma Mason-Stikes son, Carey Mason.) Norma Catherine Decker Mason-Stikes, celebrated 89 years of a life well-lived, and on the morning of August 10, 2020, she took her last breath and departed this earthly life. A native of Louisville, Ky., Norma was the younger of two…
Read MoreBarbara Wander is a Loretto co-member who has been working with the Little Sisters of St. Therese in Haiti for many years. Click here to read the latest issue June 2020 of Barbara’s Haiti Journal. Click here to read the January 2019 issue of Barbara’s Haiti Journal. Click here to read the September 2018 issue…
Read MoreAnne Catherine Spillane (known as Nancy by her family) was a bright light wherever she was. It was often said that she was “everyone’s best friend,” so well did she fulfill that role. Known as Sister Lucian, from 1947 to 1971, she served Loretto in many capacities — teacher at Mary Queen of Peace in…
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