Loretta Josephine Masella, a centenarian at the age of 102, passed away peacefully at Copper Ridge Health & Rehab on November 10th, 2020 from complications of COVID-19.
She was born on January 18, 1918 to Vito DeMola and Josephine Rizzi DeMola in Brooklyn, New York and enjoyed a favorable upbringing, rich with family traditions alongside her four siblings. In 1937, she married her blue-eyed Carmine Masella and they soon afterward made their home in Anaconda, raising their two sons Frank and William.
Loretta worked in food service at Galen State Hospital for many years while also enjoying her favorite pastime of cooking at home – much to the enjoyment and benefit of her family and friends whom she cherished spending her time with. Burning up several telephones along the way, she also relished in countless hours of conversations with her many friends and long-distanced relatives.
Loretta was an active member of the Anaconda Holy Family Catholic Church, a ranking member of the St. Ann’s Society, and a recognized union member. She was quite proud of her Italian heritage, and she and her “Charlie”, as she affectionately referred to Carm as he identified her as “Lor”, often communicated in Italian. She was never at a loss for words in either language.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, her son Frank Masella and his wife Margaret, her brother Frank DeMola, and her brother Paul DeMola and his wife Rose.
Loretta is survived by her: son William (Linda) Masella, sister Lena Barile, brother Michael DeMola and sister-in-law Carol DeMola; grandchildren Bill (Peggy) Masella, Lori Welch, Michelle (Maurie) White, Kim Masella (Maureen Walsh), and Dawn (Ken) Smith; great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Theresa and John Welch; Jacob, Haleigh (Ramsey Adair) and Peyton Smith; also, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and even great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
Due to COVID-19 risks and limitations, a private service will be held. She will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda.
Special thanks to all at Frontier Hospice and Copper Ridge for their impassioned care of Loretta.
In her words, “Thank you, Jesus. Amen”.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Loretta. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Loretta and her family.
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Dwayne and Shirley Manson says
Prayers to all of Loretta’s family. She was a very interesting lady and she had such a love of cooking. She will be missed by many.
Annette Bolkovatz Helspere says
My prayers to you and your family. Loretta was a great neighbor, friend and truly a beautiful person inside and out. Never heard a negative word from her and she was caring. I remember growing up near her and visiting her as a child. I recently saw her at Copper Ridge and she was as lively as ever and I felt truly blessed she remembered me and times we shared. An inspiration to us all. She will be missed by anyone who had the privilege to have known her.
Mike softich says
Thoughts and prayers for all
Margaret Ricci says
What a grand legacy and heritage your family has in the life of Loretta. Reading all the names of grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family is heartwarming. Thank God for such a family. Sorry for your loss.
TinaRader says
I will miss Loretta so much, she was a special lady and we became very close. I would sit with her and she would talk about all her family. She would hold my hand and tell me I Love You and God Bless You. She was the highlight of my day. My deepest condolences to Bill and Linda and her entire family. Loretta will be forever missed. Prayer’s to you all and God Bless You
Claudia and Darryl Johnson says
What a beautiful live well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sara Rowe says
Ms Loretta I only cared for her a few times as I how much she loved me. Quite the inspiration to make it to 102 with little to know problems. May she rest in peace with no more back pain no more pain at all and to be reunited with the loved ones in heaven.
Elena and Wayne Fredricksen & Cristina Dira says
Our deepest sympathies to you, Bill, Linda, and all the rest of her family. Loretta was a very special person (as, Wayne ) would say of her. We always enjoyed her and our Aunt Cristina, will miss her immensely, they had their daily phone conversations and checking up on each other. May her soul rest in peace!!
Carla Penne says
Loretta was such a sweet lady. She was my grandma trudy best friends. Loretta treated us as family growing up. I remember talking her on the phone before her hundredth birthday party. Loretta’s smile was wonderful. She brought lots of sunshine to this world. Loretta will be deeply missed. Praying for her friends and family.