Obituary of K. Loretta Joseph

Kathryn "Loretta" Joseph, age 88, died Friday October 8, 2010 while under the loving compassionate care of her family and Niagara Hospice House in Lockport. Kathryn "Loretta" was born October 19, 1921 in Ransomville to the late Leo and Marion (Williams) Connor. She was a 1939 graduate of Wilson High School and graduated from Mt. St. Mary's School of Nursing in 1942. Loretta continued in her profession as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years, beginning at Mt. St. Mary's as a Supervising Nurse and then as a Public Health Nurse with the Niagara County Health Department. On September 26, 1946 she married Joseph Joseph in Our Lady of Lebanon RC Church and was actively involved in the Church and its' school for 60 years, as well as the Madonna and Bishop Duffy High Schools Mother's Clubs. A tireless volunteer, she was awarded numerous citations for her dedication and commitment to her favorite organizations, Mt. St. Mary's Hospital Volunteers, ArtPark, Mending Hearts, Senior Center in Lewiston, and the Niagara Chapter of the Red Cross. One of her greatest joys was volunteering for the American Red Cross in their Blood Pressure Program as well as at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital. Nursing was always her dedication. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 38 years, Joseph, in 1984. She is survived by her children, Dennis (Ellen) Joseph of Lewiston, Susan (John) Downes of Ellicott City, MD, and David (Paula) Joseph of Pasadena, MD. She was the proud grandmother of Julia Joseph, Alysse Joseph, Meredith Downes, Alec Joseph, Caitlin Joseph, and Collin Joseph; the proud step grandmother of Megan Forgione, Bill Carney, Adam and Geoff Downes; and the proud step great grandmother of Hayden, Jackson and Lucy Downes. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Veronica Connor and two brothers, Vincent and Clifford Connor. Friends will be received by the family at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 14, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, with the Rev. Sebastian C. Pierro officiating. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials in Loretta's name may be made to Niagara Hospice House, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 and the Niagara Chapter Red Cross, 2070 Sawyer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304.