Former Local Choir Director Passes Away In Montpelier

Loretta P. (Coleman) Magnan who for many years was a choir director in St. Albans and well known local soloist passed away in Montpelier this past week. Loretta was the soloist and choir director when I graduated from St. Mary's High School back in 1951 and at our 50th Class Reunion came back to do a special solo of "The Bells Of St. Mary's" in 2001. Loretta leaves relatives here in the Fairfax area as she was married to Euclide Magnan's brother, thus leaving many nieces and nephews in the area.

MONTPELIER - Loretta P. (Coleman) Magnan, 81, of Freedom Drive, Montpelier, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, April 5, 2008. She was born in St. Albans on November 3, 1926. She gave lifelong service to the Catholic Church including St. Mary's in St. Albans and St. Augustine's in Montpelier as choir director, music teacher, bingo administrator, bizarre director, a member of Catholic Daughters and St. Vincent de Paul Society (as President for many years), church decorator for Holidays, or just plain wherever she was most needed. Her flare for crafts was displayed for many years at the annual St. Vincent's bizarre and especially in her children's and grandchildren's homes. Loretta especially enjoyed being with family and friends on any occasion. She is survived by daughter-inlaw, Julie (Branon) Magnan of South Burlington; Mary Ann and husband Wayne LaRock of Hyde Park; Beth and husband Michael Hulbert of Barre; Paul and his wife Mary Jane (Wobby) of Barre; Chris and his wife Stephanie (Beloin) of Barre; 15 grandchildren, Lori, Keith, Jeremy, Serena, Jennifer, Joanne, Joey, Travis, Andee, Jarah, Meagan, Josh, Samantha, Curtis, and Cailey; eleven greatgrand-children Cole, Juliana, Jacob, Marlie, Hannah, Erin, Wessley, Josie, Emma, Cecilia, and Edward. Loretta is also survived by sisters Geraldine Mina and Shirley Petschel and brother Freddy Coleman. Loretta was predeceased by her husband, Leonidas (married 57 years); son David (19482002); brothers William Coleman, Gordon Coleman and Ronald Coleman; and sister, Constance (Coleman) Pietrallo. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church in Montpelier on Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. A reception in the Parish Hall following the service will be held in lieu of calling hours. Loretta was a devoted wife, mother, nanny, mother-in-law, friend and neighbor. She will be greatly missed; her memory and values will forever be in our hearts and memories. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to St. Augustine Church, Organ Replacement Fund, 16 Barre St., Montpelier, VT 05602. Those wishing to send on-line condolences may visit http://www.guareandsons.com/index.cfm and go to Loretta's obituary.