IN MEMORIAM: LORETTA F. (CLARK) CARTER
July 15, 1938 — January 13, 2026
QUINCY, MA – Loretta F. Carter, known affectionately as “Chickie,” a ground-breaking figure for women in Massachusetts law enforcement, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her nieces and nephew on January 13, 2026.
Born in Roxbury, MA, on July 15, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Frances Burke and Harry Clark, and stepdaughter of the late Charles Burke.
A TRAILBLAZER IN SERVICE
Loretta’s legendary work ethic began early; she worked a full-time job while attending Roxbury Memorial High School and was a dedicated "Junior Achiever." Her career was defined by historic "firsts" for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1974, she was appointed as the first female Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Police Officer with full police powers, paving the way for generations of women in law enforcement.
Over her distinguished career, she rose through the ranks of Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Assistant Supervisor, and Lieutenant. She retired in 1991 as a Supervising Hearings Officer. Loretta was particularly proud of her advocacy as the Head of the Medical Affairs Bureau, where her testimony before the House of Representatives and the Senate led to the creation of handicap placards in Massachusetts. For her efforts, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the Massachusetts Handicap Association.
COMMUNITY AND CONTINUED LEARNING
A lifelong learner, Loretta attended UMass for Law Enforcement and Babson College for Executive Training. She shared her expertise by teaching Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 regarding motor vehicle laws at the Police Academy and serving as a CPR instructor. In her community, she was an active member of the Houghs Neck Garden Club, the Seaside, and the Quincy Senior Center, where she enjoyed watercolor painting. She also dedicated 16 years as a volunteer for DPPOS (Pre-Diabetes).
FAMILY AND LEGACY
Loretta shared 63 beautiful years of marriage with her childhood sweetheart, William (Bill), until his passing in 2023. Together, they shared a love for adventure, traveling all over the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Family was the cornerstone of her life; she spent countless vacations and holidays with her siblings and relatives. She felt incredibly lucky to have siblings who all loved each other. Her later years were filled with joy during Friday night dinners with her friends and neighbors.
She was predeceased by her siblings: Frank H. Clark (Betty), Barbara L. Bruce (Robert H.), Eugene Clark, John L. Clark, and Patricia Dello Russo (Edward).
She is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Shirley Clark, and her many cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her loving cousin, Joan Lyons of Canton.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Croi Health of Norwell for their passionate and dedicated care.
SERVICES
Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the care of Casper Funeral & Cremation Services, Boston, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loretta’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your own choice.