Loretta Jean Rejc

Loretta Jean Rejc, age 89, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2021 at the Shelby Nursing Center in Shelby Township, Michigan. She was born September 10, 1931 in Detroit, daughter of the late Harold and the late Florence (nee: Perrin) Johnson.

A loving homemaker & mom, one of the most memorable legacies our Mom’s can leave us is that they “made it fun”…and that was certainly the unified voice of her children’s reflections. Loretta possessed a “silly nature” that permeated the hearts and souls of all who knew her. She had a great sense of humor and she loved to laugh,…and it didn’t take much for others in the room to join in the fun. It’s been said that laughter is good for the soul, and Loretta’s hilarity was always the perfect medicine to a stress-filled day. She was also known for her love of babies, which just may lovingly support the fact that she had nine of her own. Doting on and cradling them in her arms brought out the finest parts of her motherhood, and she could never get enough.

Like many homemaker’s out there, Loretta kept a clean and tidy house. We’re not talking merely “in order”…but rather organized and cleansed throughout. Every nook and cranny bore the signature of Loretta’s fine touch,…and you knew the minute you walked in, simply by that wonderful smell, that she had gone over the place with a fine tooth comb, and cleaning fluids. Loretta was also renowned for her exemplary cooking skills, and she loved preparing food for her family…especially when they would offer to help, and then take over. Ha-Ha…the plan worked. But truth-be-told, Loretta could definitely whip together some culinary magic that would make your mouth water and your eyes roll back in your head. Al she needed was a stove, an oven, and some preparation space, then just step back and watch the fantasy of food unfold before your eyes. Memories are plentiful of the wonderful dinners Loretta used to serve. If you left her table hungry, you simply weren’t tryin’.

When her work and responsibilities were under tow, Loretta enjoyed stepping out for a little fun and entertainment. Sometimes it was as simple as a game of cards (“War” being her game of choice),…or perhaps a little time with her “Bunko Buddies.” But the real fun was had with each visit to the casino where she could give those One-Armed Bandits a workout, and Ol’ Lady Luck a run for her money. Those were always eagerly anticipated moments making memories to last a lifetime.

Later in life, her children recall coveting the memories of spending time with Mom as she would regale them with stories of their childhood, growing up, and coming into their own,…and all with the help of a mother who made it fun. Loretta loved hosting company, and there was never a guest more precious than family.

Loretta will also be remembered for her deep and abiding faith in God, and for how she shared His goodness with all. She lived the life of a servant and truly exemplified the Christian walk. As age took its toll and made getting around more challenging with each passing day, Loretta remained grateful that she was still able to make her way up to Father to receive her Holy Communion.

Yet of all she embraced and held precious, there was nothing more important than family. She adored her family and was so extremely proud of each of their accomplishments in life. There’s no doubt that Loretta set the pace, and life’s unfolding pleasures were those she garnered from watching her family grow and thrive.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Loretta not only impacted her family with her influential traits, but also touched countless lives as she truly emanated the principle of the Golden Rule, and a most compassionate heart. She enjoyed the fullness of life, was blessed mightily, and reaped many rewards in her journey this side of Heaven. May she now enjoy the blessings on the other side as she awaits that great reunion in the sky with those she leaves to cherish her memory. Loretta will be missed beyond expression and loved beyond measure.  

Loretta was the beloved wife of the late John. Dearest mother of James (Kathleen), Joseph (Susan), John (Suzanne), Theresa (Vito) Asta, Anna (Richard) Baginski, Sharon (Darrell) Niedzwiecki, Cheryl (Tom) Lorkowski, Laura (Brian) Lamareaux, and Lisa (Todd) Misiak. Loving grandmother of 26, to include; Donna, Melissa, James Jr. (Stephanie), Jeffrey (Sharon), Carrie (Marcel), Scott (Jen), Natalie (Scott), Matthew (Katie), Kelly (Josh), John (Carly), Neil, Shannon, Vito, Angela (Tom), Ryan, Eric, Brian (Caitlin), Jillian (Kevin), Ann Elise, Andrea, Julie (Jason), Kelly, Stacy (Adam). Nathan, Jeremy, and Kaylie. Loretta is also the cherished great-grandmother of 27. Sister of Ralph (Marian) Johnson, the late Robert Johnson, and the late Betty Schmidt.

Loretta will lie in state from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Campus in Center Line, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Shelby Nursing Center, C/O Samantha in Activities, 46100 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, Michigan 48315.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Loretta at her memory book below.