Eleanor Mary Loretan, born October 14, 1930 to Henry and Eleanor Menzer in New York City, passed to her reward with a bang on July 4, 2022. Married to John Thomas Loretan on June 26, 1954 and celebrated their 68th Anniversary just last week.
Mother to four children – Christine Joan (Leentjes), Suzanne Marie, Mark Michael and John Ronald who predeceased her.
She was a homemaker in several locations during the 60’s and early 70’s, when she began her paid work life with the Birmingham, Michigan Community House. After a move to Ridgewood, New Jersey, she joined the Medical Records department at Valley Hospital. Her retirement cards were filled with comments such as “You were a stickler, but you taught me so much.”
In retirement in Florida, Eleanor enjoyed golf with her girlfriends (The Half Rounders) and volunteered for many years at her local community food bank, Loaves and Fishes in Apopka. She loved throwing dinner and cocktail parties with music, laughter and singing. If a microphone came within 5 feet of her, we would be treated to a rendition of any number of her favorite songs. She was a devout parishioner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mount Dora, where she was a lay reader, part of the Prayer Shawl knitting circle and an officer of the Alliance of Women. As an avid New York Yankees fan, this current season was a joy for her.
Eleanor is survived by her husband John, brother and sister, Charles Menzer and Judith Raab, three of her children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. With her July 4 passing, we will forever remember her when we see fireworks.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Loaves and Fishes (https://loavesandfishesapopka.com/financial-giving/)
A Memorial Mass will be held at 9 AM on Friday, July 22, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441, Mount Dora, Florida, 32757.
