Loretta Ann Boetter

Loretta Ann Boetter was born on January 16, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to John F. and Clara Stroik.  She died two days short of her 100th birthday on January 14, 2024.  Loretta was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, James (Jim) Boetter, who died in 1981.  They were married in 1953.  She is survived by their son, Bruce Boetter (sp. Susan), their only child.  Her older brother, Raymond, and younger sister, Regina, preceded her in death.

Loretta graduated from Carl Schulz High School in Chicago in 1942 and took college courses over many years. She worked as a secretary for several companies during her younger years but stayed home to raise her son during his formative years.  Loretta found working in an office serving special-needs children particularly rewarding.  After moving to San Diego in 1981 upon the death of Jim, Loretta worked as a volunteer at Sharp Cabrillo Hospital for over 20 years.  She also volunteered at Father Joe’s Villages in downtown San Diego.

Loretta had a life-long love of travel, vacationing with Jim and Bruce in Florida, Colorado, California and the north woods of Wisconsin throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s.  After Jim’s passing, Loretta went on nearly 30 cruises to destinations around the world.  Her adventures included riding a camel near the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and a donkey to the top of one of the Greek Isles.  Her destinations included India, Madagascar, Hong Kong, Africa, South America, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean and much of Europe.  Ballroom dancing was a life-long passion of Loretta’s, and she looked forward to the opportunity to dance on her many cruises.

Loretta loved to watch baseball, first as a fan of the Cubs while living in Chicago, and then the Padres after moving to San Diego.  A devout Catholic, Loretta was a long-time member of St. Emily’s parish in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, and then St. Charles and St. Michael’s parishes in San Diego.

Donations in Loretta’s name may be made to Father Joe’s Villages.