Loretta A. Gerard (nee LaFave),
With her daughters by her side, Loretta passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024 at age 93. Loving wife of the late Lawrence “Lefty” Gerard. Mother to Karen (late Frank) Krohn and Sharon (Greg) Moe. Daughter of the late John and Irene LaFave. Sister to the late Al (Del) Jakovich and the late Clarence (Jean) LaFave. Much loved grandma/gaga to Mike, Max, (late) Katie Krohn, and Kevin Moe. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Friend to many - stranger to none.
Loretta lived a full life always giving to others before herself. Her passions were cooking, baking, gardening, her grandsons, and dancing.
Her special dishes were spaghetti and meatballs (from S&T), sirloin steak on the grill, fried chicken, and roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy. Loretta taught Karen and Sharon their way around the kitchen at an early age.
She loved to bake as did her mother, Irene. “Grandma” made birthday cakes for all of Mike, Max and Kevin's birthday parties, and they were quite demanding about the theme and the design. She never disappointed.
She loved her many trips to Disney with the Krohn boys. She was as big a kid as Mike and Max. Her favorite ride was Buzz Lightyear and she would ride it multiple times to shoot aliens with her grandsons. She took trips to Michigan and Wisconsin with Sharon, Greg, and Kevin. Spending time with family was her favorite pastime.
A beautiful memory would be when Lefty and Loretta found themselves in a situation where they could take over the dance floor. They were not shy, and people enjoyed watching them. Mom’s love of dancing lived on as she attempted to teach CNA’s and nurses how to jitterbug even into the final months of her life.
She was a magnificent daughter to her parents, a wonderful mother, and an even better grandma. Her family was her greatest joy. She made the world a brighter place.
We know she is with her favorite dance partner again.
Friday, August 16, 2024
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Kerry Funeral Home
Saturday, August 17, 2024
10:00 - 10:30 am (Central time)
Kerry Funeral Home
Saturday, August 17, 2024
10:45 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum
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