Loretta Joan Brown, age 92 of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at home, with her family by her side. She was born on January 29, 1928 in Grand Haven, MI to the late Capt. Owen and Sarah (Gibson) Gallagher. Loretta married Charles Brown on September 7, 1946 in Grand Haven, and he preceded her in death on December 3, 1992, after 46 years of marriage.
Loretta graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1946, and was a life-long resident of Grand Haven. She was employed at Fifth-Third Bank (formerly, Old Kent Bank) until her retirement in January of 1990.
Loretta lovingly provided daycare for her grandchildren part-time, and later, tended to her great-grandchildren full-time. Her greatest joy was caring for her family, and this was a very busy and rewarding job for her after her retirement from the bank. Loretta also found fulfillment by volunteering in the food pantry at St. Patrick-St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and in the gift shop at North Ottawa Community Hospital.
Loretta loved the music of the Big Band Era, and danced at the waterfront whenever she was able to. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches. Loretta’s loving and kind soul is what she will be most remembered for.
Loretta is survived by her sons, Gerald “Jerry” Brown and David (Chris) Brown, all of Grand Haven; her daughter, Susan (David) Strazanac of West Olive; granddaughters, Rebecca, Angela, Jennifer, Robin, and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Haley, Kelsey, Charlie, Dre’Qwon, and Dylan; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Virginia Peel, Rose McQuality, Genevieve Catron, and Robert & Ernest Gallagher; granddaughter, Lori Strazanac; and daughter-in-law, Mary Brown.
The Memorial Service for Loretta will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Patrick-St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish with Fr. Charles Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Masks and Social Distancing will be required. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
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