Loretta McRae

Birth date: May 24, 1955 Death date: Aug 1, 2024

Chapel of the Chimes would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time. Once funeral arrangements have been made, we will be sure to update our website, if the family wishes. We will continue to k Read Obituary

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The Stamatakis Family

51w ago

We are so sorry to hear this news regarding Loretta. We just heard this news a few days ago from Megan Sweet (Oakland Zoo) where Loretta was on her team. Loretta had been involved with the zoo for many years.

We first met Loretta as she was monitoring her cats on Merced Avenue in Montclair Village every evening. Our friendship grew and she attended my Grandma's party, when she turned 100-years-old.

We arranged to meet Loretta at the Oakland Zoo during the Christmas season several years ago and she was gracious enough to tour us through the zoo. She spent considerable time explaining about the animals and specifically the turtle habitat. It was clear she was a very loyal professional towards the zoo and loved being there.

We will miss her enthusiasm, dedication, and spirited personality.

Our condolences to the family.

Loretta - Rest in Peace.

Warmly,

The Stamatakis Family

Elaine Kijek Geffen

57w ago

I'm so sorry about Loretta, and I'm hoping that hearing some stories will help you at this difficult time. I'm a docent at the zoo, and Loretta did some investigation about my lengthy history there, discovering that I'd actually been a docent for over 30 years, but due to a few lapses in my docentship, I had been looked over for a lifetime award, which I felt really bad about. One day, completely out of the blue, she said, "You have been here a long time!" And she had printed out my history and insisted that I get recognized at the next docent award meeting. She made me tear up with her personal concern and caring. She had a way of connecting with all of us and was always available to look eye to eye and give nice greetings in that busy office at the zoo. I admired her gumption to keep coming back to work, even though it was obvious that her health was declining, but she sure was a fighter! Thank you for sharing your lovely family member with the zoo family for all these years. Take care. Elaine Geffen

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