Loretta Naffin

Loretta Naffin

August 29, 1949 - September 4, 2025

            Loretta passed away peacefully on September 4th at the Red Deer Hospice.  Her pain in the end was minimal and the last three weeks of her life, she was treated royally in the hospice, visited by family, friends and many church members.  These visits meant a lot to Loretta.

Loretta was the only child of Alex and Doreen Naffin and was born in Drumheller, Alberta.  As a small child, the family moved to Banff where she was able to enjoy growing up in beautiful surroundings.  She graduated from High School here in 1967 and moved to Calgary to pursue an Education degree.  Loretta told us it took her a little longer to finish school as she also had to work to help pay her way which started her career as cashier, firstly in Safeway in Calgary then later in IGA in Drumheller.  Loretta graduated with Distinction with a Bachelor of Eduction degree from the U of C in Calgary, AB in 1989.  Unfortunately she was required to come home and help when her mother became ill and passed in 1994.  Loretta then began her employment at IGA in Drumheller for many years.  When her father moved from the family home in Bankview to the Sunshine Lodge, Loretta felt this was a move for her to make as well and was one of the youngest residents to move in. Loretta has been a resident at the Lodge since 2013 until her recent stays in hospital and hospice.  She was a reluctant participant in many group activities but spent many hours enjoying her own company watching tv, videos, colouring, playing games on her iPad and visiting with the many friends and family she had made.  A very proudly independent woman even until the very end, Loretta was also a great listener and story teller with a great sense of humour.  Her faith was very dear to her and she was willing to share her thoughts and feelings when the opportunity presented itself.

Loretta was predeceased by her Mother Doreen (1922-1994) and her Father Alexander (1920-2016)

Loretta will be missed by her cousin Eleanor Jensen, and her family, Darcy & Shauna children Laura, Katie, Colton & Benjamin, Eric. Gregg & Tina, children Steven, Elena. Cousin Donald & Sandy, children Todd & Tyler. Cousin Ken Leonhardt and many nieces and nephews as well as her friend of more than 30 years Linda West.

A special thank you to all her staff friends at the Sunshine Lodge.

Funeral service will be September 19th at 2 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Loretta to the Sunshine Lodge or the charity of your choice.