Loretta Marie Longinotti

Loretta Marie Barbarotto Longinotti, 96, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully with her beloved family by her side on November 3rd, 2024. She was born on March 10th,1928 in the family home of Joseph and Josephine (Butcallis) Barbarotto in Smackover, Arkansas. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she took great pride in her heritage and loved sharing stories of her upbringing.

A devout Catholic, she was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Good Counsel for over 70 years. Loretta was instrumental in getting Eucharistic Perpetual Adoration started and thriving in the parish. Over the years she faithfully served in the choir, various prayer groups, parish boards, the Altar Society, and enjoyed her time acting and performing in Jubilus. She was a true evangelist for the Catholic faith.

Loretta dedicated her life to advocacy and activism, particularly within the Pro Life movement. She participated in walks to the state capitol, protests, rosaries, and often reached out to elected officials, including Congressmen and the Governor, urging them to protect the unborn. She was a frequent contributor to the Arkansas Catholic and Arkansas Democrat Gazette, writing letters to the editor on Pro Life issues and other spiritual matters close to her heart.

Loretta was also a resourceful entrepreneur, starting her own business the ABC Letter Service, as a mimographer and typist from her home. She provided typing services for the Women’s Club, college students, doctors, and others in need of professional document preparation. An excellent typist, she then took courses to become a medical transcriptionist and began working at the Veterans Administration, where she was valued for her commitment and skill.

Throughout her 96 years, Loretta embraced many passions, including gardening, sewing, playing the piano, walking and riding her stationary bike, reading her Bible, and following conservative political commentary. Yet, her greatest joy was in spending time with her family, whom she loved and served with unwavering dedication.

Loretta is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Longinotti and son Pat Longinotti.

She is survived by her loving children, Laura, Lisa, and Mike Longinotti; grandchildren, Erica (Brian) Rutherford Reardon, Sarah (Shane) Longinotti Williams, Ryan (Katie) Rutherford, and John (Wendy) Kirby; and great-grandchildren, Aidan, Colin, and McKenna Reardon, Corbin, Mia, and Asher Williams, Rhett and Walker Rutherford, and Kacy Jane and Keagan Kirby. She will be deeply missed.

Rosary and visitation will be on November 11th from 6 to 8 p.m., with a funeral mass on November 12th at 10 a.m., both at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

To view the slideshow, please use the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyl7axcXQIs