Loretta Schroeder

Loretta Schroeder (nee Reid) passed away peacefully on Monday, August 23rd.

Born in Brooklyn, NY as a first-generation American of Newfoundland emigrants “Newfies”, Loretta enjoyed a full life, having lived in many places including Germany, Roselle Park, South Plainfield, Bayville, and Manchester Township, NJ.

Predeceased by her son Robert “Wally-Bob”, she is survived by her husband of 64 years, Herbert, sons Ronald, Richard, and Russell, daughters-in-law Livia, Linda, Kim, and Michele, grandchildren Kaitlyn, Melissa, Christopher and wife Jennifer, Cherylin and husband Matthew, Gina, Amy, Gregory, and Julie and great-grandchildren Owen, Luca, and Finley.  And many nieces and nephews (and grand-nieces and nephews)  in the Reid, Ratz, Vivian, and Mancuso families.

Loretta grew up in Brooklyn where she met her lifelong partner Bert. They were married in 1956 and eventually settled down in South Plainfield where they raised their four boys. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, hosted lavish dinner parties, played Bridge with good friends, played music on her beloved Hammond Organ, and worked many years as a Bank Examiner and remained proud of her knack for the precise work that it required.  She enjoyed many wonderful years at their bungalow on Breezy Point and camping all over the East Coast.   Bert and Loretta later found a love of boating which led them to move to Bayville and spent many years on their Bayliner on Toms River. They continued to travel all over the world for many years and made a few return trips to her favorite place, Hawaii, whenever they could.  But her favorite pastime was spoiling her grandchildren, always making sure they ate dessert first.

Loretta proudly served the Wesley United Methodist Church of South Plainfield as Treasurer and officer in their Road Runners Club for many years and planned some amazing trips.

Her famous Macaroons, Potato Salad, Chocolate Mousse, and Baked Beans will be sorely missed at family gatherings, as well as her warm hugs, loving, feisty personality, and her ever-present “BERT!” that we will all hear in our heads long after she is gone.

The Family thanks you all for your love and support through this difficult time.

A memorial service and gathering for family and friends will be scheduled at some point this Fall.