Loretta L. Mercer

Loretta L. Mercer, 74, passed away May 9, 2011, in New Port Richey, FL. Loretta was a Navy veteran and while stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, met the love of her life, Johnny, in 1959. They were married in 1961 and enjoyed 34 wonderful years until his untimely passing in 1995. She is survived by her only son, Greg. Loretta's adventurous life took her from Ralleigh, NC, to Colorado, Montanna, and Virginia, where she received her Bachelor's degree from Radford University and went on to obtain her Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She and Johnny eventually settled in New Port Richey in the mid-80s, where she remained until her passing.

While in New Port Richey, Loretta opened her own counseling practice and worked and counseled for hospitals, charities, and the court system. She touched and helped many lives in her work and was very well-respected by her colleagues in her profession.

Loretta's passions in life were reading, enjoying the beach, traveling, spending time with family, friends, and her precious dog, Missy. Her love for Johnny, Greg, Missy, friends, and clients was unparalleled. She was a loving, generous, Mother and Wife, and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Visitation will be held at North Meadowlawn Funeral Home, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, on Friday, May 13, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Saturday, May 14 at St. Thomas Aquinas, with interment to follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens. The family suggests that if you don't wish to send flowers that you make a donation to the Catholic charity of your choice.

You may share your condolences at www.northmeadowlawnfuneral.com

Arrangements under the direction of North/Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, New Port Richey, FL.