LORETTA DELVINA REICHARDT

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LORETTA DELVINA REICHARDT
December 31, 1932 – January 11, 2022

Peacefully, with her sons at her bedside, Loretta passed away in the late snowy afternoon of January 11, 2022 at the age of 89 years.
She was predeceased by Michael, her loving husband of 67 years; by her parents, Jean-Charles and Marie-Ange Carriere and her six siblings, Alice, Lorna, Stanley, Roland, Carol and Joanne.
She is sorely missed by her sons, Randy; Chris (Debra) and Todd (Edie); by her much loved grandchildren, Jocelyn and Elliott; her sister-in-law Ida; brother-in-law Frank (Margaret) and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
She lived her entire life in Winnipeg and attended St. Mary's Academy. Her first job was as a legal secretary in a law firm downtown, where she learned the secret recipe to make 'Boston Coffee.'
After her marriage to Michael, she devoted herself to being a full time homemaker, wife and mother. She took pride in keeping an immaculate house and trying new recipes for her family. She loved to cook, listen to music and sing - especially when visiting with her dear Uncle Ted Collins. The care and effort she put into her home was only matched by her attention to always look her best through daily exercise and dressing in the latest fashions.
She was a woman of faith in God that was demonstrated by her many acts of kindness to her family and friends. If a neighbour or friend was in need, she was there for them with supper, a visit or prayers, usually all three. She was beautiful inside and out.
She actively contributed to her parish as a reader, a parish council member and all other requests asked of her. In the 70s, Loretta and Michael were instrumental in bringing the World Wide Marriage Encounter program to Manitoba - a tremendous gift to so many. They led many seminars in Canadian and American cities during that time.
She became a tutor companion, helping children with learning disabilities. She volunteered at St. Amant Center, taught catechism and loved working with kids.
She had an active creative mind, an incredible memory and was always interested in learning new skills. She learned American sign language, to paint with watercolours, to build and create all sorts of crafts, took cooking classes and learned to play the guitar.
Her last few months were spent at River Park Gardens. Our family is extremely grateful to the staff, especially Chris and Radny, for the care and compassion she received from them. Also, we extend a big thank you to Lynne - Mom's very special friend for always being a phone call away and supporting Loretta even throughout the pandemic.
As per Loretta's wishes, a cremation has already taken place.
A celebration of Loretta's life will be held at The Parish of St. Timothy at 135 John Forsyth Road Winnipeg, on Thursday, August 25, 2022 beginning at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service. All are welcome to the service and reception.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2022