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Loretta Canning Obituary

Canning, Loretta
58, passed into Eternal Life on December 17th, 2014. Formerly of Richmond Hill, NY, and longtime resident of Phoenix, AZ she was the beloved daughter of the late James and Rose Canning, the sister and sister-in-law to 11 brothers and sisters and their spouses, cherished aunt to 22 nieces and nephews and a multitude of grand nieces and nephews. Loretta recently retired as a devoted high school teacher from North Canyon High School in Phoenix, and previously taught at Paradise Valley High School and St. Daniel the Prophet. She excelled in bringing out the best in her students. She was an astute observer of their needs, knowing who needed encouragement or greater challenge. She was passionate about her students, family and travel, and often combined them all on her educational trips to Europe and India. Loretta's zest for life would light up a room and would engage anyone in conversation regardless of their stature, or lot in life. Her influence, care and concern were felt by many as she looked for opportunities to serve the less advantaged, seeking out those who seemed lonely or offering a quick hand to those struggling in any way. Loretta will be deeply missed by her family and friends. All services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish, 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale: Visitation is Friday, January
, 2015 from 4-9 PM with a Rosary and prayer service at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, January 10th at 11 AM. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Canning

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Caroline Ivens

December 30, 2024

Ms. Canning was my daughter's teacher at North Canyon High School. She was wonderful, caring, empathetic, friendly, and encouraged her students to do their best, work hard and succeed. I am sure she is a angel looking down and watching over everyone. She is missed.

M F

May 15, 2020

I never felt very comfortable or safe in school, but in your room, I always found sanctuary. Then in, what, 1994, 1995, you showed me Europe, and my life was never the same again. It's rather remarkable to me just how profoundly that trip changed the way I saw the world, and myself. Travel, adventure, and open-mindedness have come to define me. I've been to over 28 countries now, have lived abroad, majored in cultural anthropology, and, wait for it...became a high school teacher. Every Single Day of that job I made sure that I was creating the kind of safe space you showed me. I've since become a lawyer, where I work hard for those who have been wronged and who need an advocate. It was just today that you came to mind and that I discovered this page. I'm saddened by your early passing, but you should be damn proud for what you've given the world.

Robin Hilliar

January 29, 2015

I am saddened to learn of this news. My dear friend, Loretta, you will certainly be missed. I am glad that our last memory together was at the beach. Love you sister.

Aaron Foster

January 6, 2015

I am so saddened by the news of your passing. We will meet again in the future Ms. Canning. Enjoy heaven and all it has to offer. You will be missed greatly. My prayers go out to all of your family and friends. You were one of the most influential teachers in my high school years. You were honest and real and you really cared for your students. It was an honor to be in your class.

Gloria (Walc) Armbruster

January 5, 2015

Rest in peace Loretta! God will always keep your family safe as you did for them.
(RoseAnne and I were friends when we went to SBJL.)

Rachel Thompson

January 5, 2015

Rest In Peace, Ms. Canning. You were a wonderful person and an amazing teacher. I will always remember how you brightened up any room you walked in and how you always made me smile. You are truly missed.

Melissa Sandberg

January 5, 2015

Ms. Canning was my teacher in 1997. I was a Senior in her Freshman class. She would pick on me in the most loving way. She found the most amazing ways to actually connect with her students. She was by FAR my most favorite teacher EVER! Rest in Peace, fly with the angels Ms. Canning.

Mireya Hernandez

January 4, 2015

Rest in peace sweet angel!!!!

Danielle Uzeta

January 4, 2015

I will always remember Ms. Canning as a wonderful woman who alwayd helped me through rough times and all her students. You will always be an angel to me. I love you. Rest in peace.

January 4, 2015

Ms. Canning was my high school teacher. Everything that was mentioned above is accurate. She was a great teacher and will be terribly missed.
-Jessica S.

James Thompson

January 4, 2015

I met Loretta at a parent/teacher conference when my daughter was a student of hers at North Canyon High School. I found her to be a very genuine and caring person. Our daughter loved her as one of her favorite teachers. She will always be remembered and in everyone's hearts. May she rest in eternal peace.

Caroline Thompson

January 4, 2015

Ms. Canning was my daughter's high school history teacher at North Canyon High School during her Sophmore year (2011-12). I had the privilege of meeting her during a school conference.
She was engaging, funny, witty, and compassionate. She truly cared about her students and was one of my daughter's favorite teacher's. I am so sorry to Ms. Canning' family for their loss. May she rest in eternal peace.

jessica estala

January 4, 2015

Ms. Canning was an amazing woman, teacher, friend, and mentor.... my heart hurts to know she is gone but I know she is now at rest!

You will be forever thought of and missed by so many people whose lives you touched..... "I love you woman!"

Danielle uzeta

January 4, 2015

Ms. Canning. You were my favorite teacher that I ever had. I always remembered when you knew I was struggling you would tell me that "If it never rained that the flowers would never grow." I have carried that with me since graduating in 2011. You were a wonderful lady and I will never forget packing care boxes for the soliders with you at sweet tomatos. I miss and love you. May you rest in peace.

Ann B.

January 4, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. May our God comfort the family at this difficult time. Also, may friends and associates provide support during the days ahead.

January 4, 2015

i will miss loretta and her wit and wisdom, she was a great teacher.

eric seager

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Memorial Events
for Loretta Canning

Jan

9

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish

11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ

Jan

9

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish

11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ

Jan

10

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish

11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

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