Loretta Morris Ruchinskas, 81, of Brewster, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home with family on April 3, 2024 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Loretta was born in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts on May 13, 1942. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Anna Morris, and by her brother Jack. Loretta is survived by Paul, her beloved husband of 51 years; nephews Robert Morris and his wife Angie of Leesburg, Virginia; and James Morris of West Blockton, Alabama; and numerous cousins.
Loretta received her bachelor’s degree from Boston College after years of going to its night school while she was working, and after deciding to change careers seven years later, received a master’s degree in social work from Columbia. Loretta’s family, friends, and faith were important to her along with a deep concern for social justice issues that would make life better for others who were facing various challenges. She initially worked as a social worker at what was then called the Department of Mental Retardation in New Haven, Connecticut where she met colleagues who would become friends and stay connected to one another for the rest of her life. The last 17 years of her career were spent at St. Joseph’s Manor, a long-term care facility, in Trumbull, Connecticut where she developed and ran an adult day program for those who were suffering from dementia.
Loretta was witty, caring, devoted, and independent. After moving to Brewster in 2003, when Paul took a job on the Cape, she decided to retire. She had a variety of interests and was always ready to try something new. She volunteered at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, the Brewster Ladies Library, the First Parish Thrift Shop, and the Brewster Council of Aging. She was an avid reader, started writing poetry, and sang with Common Voices. She participated with friends in promoting social justice causes, particularly around immigration. In addition, she and Paul were fortunate to be able to make several overseas trips with friends.
A memorial mass will be held May 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster. Donations in Loretta’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, 2095 Main Street, Brewster, MA. 02631 or to www.alzfamilysupport.org.