Loretta Stella Connor

Loretta grew up in Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago. Both her parents had immigrated from Poland in their teens, leaving behind family and not speaking a word of English. Her father was a tailor and mother a master seamstress. Loretta graduated from St. Hyacinth School at the top of her class. College at the time was not an option for her so she went on to secretarial school and worked as a legal secretary until after WWII when she met and married the love of her life, Willis (Bill) Connor whom she shared an everlasting love, respect and bond.

Loretta and Bill had 6 children, Catherine, Sharon, Willis Jr., Gerard Michael and Susan. She had 4 babies under 3 when she was became pregnant with the 5th! She said she drew looks when she took us all for a walk in the neighborhood. In all my years, we never heard my mother raise a hand or her voice to us nor do I remember her really saying anything bad about anyone.

Loretta remained independent, proud and vain throughout her life. She was always dressed up, hair done, and makeup on with her signature Hollywood red lipstick. She believed a little bit of lipstick could change your day. She was stunningly beautiful… a knockout! She worked as an Avon Lady throughout our childhood, worked along side our Dad and brother but her favorite job was a saleswomen at a local jewelry store where she was a customer favorite.

Loretta was always busy. She inherited her parents talent for sewing and continued to sew for her girls until well into adulthood. We were often the best dressed in the office. She learned to drive after she had her children including learning to ride a bike. She was a ferocious reader throughout her life, she loved to paint ceramics, crafting, loved to dance, was an avid walker and did yoga even before yoga was a thing. She always made Christmas spectacular. When her children were young there wasn’t a dog, cat, rodent, reptile and even a monkey that didn’t find their forever home under Loretta’s roof. In her later years, she continued to bake for all those that entered while listing loudly to Out of Africa and Phantom of the Opera. She believed in compassion, integrity, empathy and kindness as the most important things in life. Her passion was her family and her love and loyalty for her children were unmatched.

She is survived by her children, Cathi, Sharon, Gerry and Susan, her 11 grandchildren, Michelle, Michael Jr., James, Erika, Jared, Danielle, Jaci, Sabrina, Jade, Lyla and Macy along with 5 great grandchildren, Avery, Rowan, Owen, Madison and Lucy.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband Bill, her sons Willis Jr and Michael, her sisters Irene (Harry) Biba and Virginia (Bill) Fleck and her parents Stanley and Veronica Romatowski.

Loretta led an ordinary life but she so much more than that… she was extraordinary. She was a light for all that knew her and has left us with a lifetime of memories and love. She passed from our loving arms to those who love her in heaven. Ja Cie Kocham… forever.

Visitation will be Thursday January 11, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.