Loretta Patricia Garland

Loretta Patricia Garland Resident of San Leandro Loretta Garland of San Leandro passed away on September 26, 2010 in Castro Valley at the age of 91. Loretta was born in Morton Grove, Illinois on September 16, 1919. She and her younger sister were raised in Des Plaines, Illinois by her parents, Joseph and Matilda Healy. She graduated from the School of Nursing, Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband of sixty five years, George Garland. They grew up as childhood friends and through the years fell in love and were married in Miami, Florida during WW II. Eventually the Navy brought Loretta and George to the west coast, and after living in San Lorenzo for many years, they settled in Castro Valley where they raised their two children. Loretta and George relocated to Lakeport, CA in the late 1970's where they enjoyed boating and playing golf. They traveled the world and also made sure they took frequent trips to be with their children and grandchildren. After George passed away, Loretta returned to the Bay Area so she could be closer to her family. She loved reading, crocheting baby blankets for her great grandchildren, playing the piano, and listening to classical music and show tunes. Loretta was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she will be dearly missed by her family and those who knew her as a friend. Loretta leaves behind two children, Mike Garland (Regina) of Ligonier, PA and Mary Navas (Jeff) of San Lorenzo; five grandchildren, John Garland (Karen) of Nashua, New Hampshire; Barbara Thompson (Steve) of Caracas, Venezuela; Scott Navas (Stephanie) of Tracy; Jaime Whalley (Brent) of Pleasanton; and Kevin Navas (Jaime) of San Lorenzo. She also leaves seven great-grandchildren, Callie Garland, Emmett Thompson, Jake and Luke Navas, Jackson Navas, and Gavin and Chase Whalley. At the request of Loretta and George, a memorial service will be held in Hawaii where their cremains will be scattered together in the warm Pacific waters off the coast of Maui. Jess C. Spencer Mortuary, Inc. and Crematory (510) 581-9133