Obituary of Loretta Mae Marsden

Marsden, Loretta Mae (nee Cummings)

May 14, 1946 - April 16, 2019

On Tuesday April 16, 2019 Loretta passed away suddenly at the PRHC where she was working in a cardio rehab program with her determined persistence to increase her lung capacity.  She has had a very challenging year with her health, but in her typical fashion, was carrying on as much as possible without complaint and very little fuss.  As usual her beloved husband of 53 years, James Marsden was always there supporting her efforts.  Loretta was the proud and devoted mother of Angela (David Pind) and Andrew (Lynn Marsden).  As all those who knew her were aware, the lights of her life were her grandchildren, Jackson (Danielle), Jordan, Caroline and Peyton.  Loretta was predeceased by her father Maxwell Cummings, brother Clifton Cummings, sister Fern Burns, parents-in-law Frederick and Hilda Marsden, sister-in-law Patricia Marsden and nephew Robert (Bob) Webster.  She is lovingly remembered by her sister Thelma and her family, and brother and sister-in-law Stan and Ilene Cummings and their family.  Loretta worked all of her life to care for her family and as her children entered school she worked a variety of jobs that allowed her to be home with them.  They included working as a meat wrapper in a local butcher shop, cleaning offices and homes in Lakefield and for Cashway in Lakefield.  As with everything she did these employers got hard work, loyalty and the job done to the best of her ability.  In her later years, Loretta and Jim spent many hours dedicated to service with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 77 in Lakefield doing any and all sorts of tasks for the community.  Many will fondly remember Loretta’s karaoke events and she loved to sing!  There have been many fundraising events, theme days, sports tournaments, dinners etc. to support the survival of the Legion and the long standing (and enjoyed) Friday night dinners with the goal of refurbishing the kitchen.  For many years, Loretta worked with Extendicare in Lakefield, volunteering her time with the residents and created many afternoon events for them to come and enjoy karaoke either at the residence or for a time have an outing to the Legion to enjoy snacks, comradeship and song.  In recent years, she has been Poppy Chairperson and spent much time with the campaign to ensure that the community and veterans had resources to support them.  Loretta was devoted to her family and is dearly loved, remembered and missed by each of them.  A Celebration of Loretta’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 77, Lakefield on Friday April 26, 2019 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM.  A R.C.L. Memorial Service will be held at 2:45 PM and memories will be shared at 4:00 PM.  Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund of the R.C.L. Branch 77, Lakefield, as expressions of sympathy and may be made by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.