GLOUCESTER: Loretta M. (Schirl) McNeely, 53, died Saturday, January 14, 2012 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital following an extended illness.
Born in Chelsea on April 4, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Thaddeus and Loretta (Rice) Schirl. She received a degree in Civil Engineering from Tufts University.
Loretta was a volunteer at the L.E.O. Building in Lynn, where she helped the homeless find food, shelter and clothing and advocated for their rights. She loved horses and had owned several. Blessed with a wonderful imagination, she loved telling stories to any child that entered her life. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her son, Dereck Romano; daughter, Tara McNeely; five grandchildren, Ashley, Dereck, Jr., Samantha, Michael and Sylvia; three sisters, Maryann, Hermina and Catherine; her brother, Teddy and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday afternoon, February 3rd in the Moose Lodge, Main Street, Gloucester at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of her life until 5 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family c/o Dereck Romano, 111 Washington St., Apt. #2 Gloucester, MA 01930, or the day of the service.