Loretta B Dickhout

Loretta B. (McDonald) Dickhout passed away on July 3, 2024, at the age of 85, in Orwell, NY. Born on July 23, 1938, in Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland. She is survived by her son, Stephen.

She was educated by the Presentation Sisters in Bishop's Falls, NL, and earned her RN at St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.  As a newly graduated nurse she worked at Botwood Cottage Hospital in NL. She went on to work in the ER, on the Surgical and Cardiac floors, and as Evening Supervisor at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and as Director of Care at Grandview Lodge, both in Dunnville, Ontario.   Her husband Graham’s employment brought the family to the US from Canada in 1972. Later she became Director at Willing Helpers Home for Women in Johnstown, NY, and was a resident-volunteer nurse at Unity Acres in Orwell for over 20 years, until the time of her death.

She was a woman of strength and determination, strong faith, love for her family and friends, and protective of her son.  Her motto in life :  ‘Your work is your prayer’.

Loretta attended Mass at Sacred Heart Chapel, Unity Acres, and enjoyed fellowship at Sherbrooke Baptist Church in Dunnville.  She was past regent of the Catholic Daughthers of America, Court Santa Maria, in Gloversville, NY. She spent her summers at her cottage on Lake Erie where she enjoyed the company of family and friends.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Graham; her parents, William and Mary McDonald; brothers Bren and Lou; sisters Jean, Joan, and Rose; mother- and father-in-law Gladys and Merton; sisters-in-law, Hilda and Pearl, brothers-in-law, Trav and Larry.

She is survived by sisters-in-law Roberta, Heather, Vicky, and Gloria, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and England as well as co-workers Bear Foote & Bill Kimball and the residents and members of the Unity Acres community. 

Special thanks to Hospice of Jefferson and niece Joan Shea who cared for her during her final weeks.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel, Unity Acres, 2290 County Route 2, Orwell, NY, on Tuesday, July 9th. Calling hours will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

Burial at a later date at Highbanks Cemetery, Dunnville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity Acres, P.O. Box 153, Orwell, NY 13426, or unityacres.org .

Summerville Funeral Home in Sandy Creek, NY, is assisting with the arrangements.

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