Loretta E. (Eisenhardt) Scribner of Old Saybrook, CT and St. Petersburg, FL died unexpectedly at home on December 30, 2019.
We are all in shock, not only by the suddenness of the event, but because, as an incessant planner, this was very much out of character for her. Moreover, we were sure Loretta would outlive us all by her sheer force of will alone.
Often of serious disposition, Loretta nevertheless much loved and was drawn to the levity, playfulness and joie de vivre of her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly 57 years, Frederick C. Scribner.
Loretta was born January 20, 1941 in Hartford, CT to Charles V. and Florence (Welch) Eisenhardt. She sustained and cherished many life-long childhood friendships formed in East Hartford. Loretta graduated as valedictorian of the East Hartford High School Class of 1958 and continued her studies with a BA from CCSU and an MA/SYC from Trinity College, Hartford. An avid reader and whip-smart, she first became a teacher, and although she later worked the better part of her career at UTC, she continued to embody these didactic ideals through both leadership roles and later forays into volunteering. She loved her family and was committed to conveying her passion for reading and education to her children and grandchildren.
Loretta raised her family in the bucolic area of Old Main Street, South Windsor, CT and long summered in Cornfield Point, Old Saybrook, CT. She loved the ocean, retired to Cornfield Point and formed many deep friendships in the community.
Loretta enjoyed film, played bridge, and traveled extensively – most recently to Asia and Africa. A life-long gardener, she was active in her later years in The Old Saybrook Garden Club. She was a devout Catholic and taught religious instruction for many decades. She also volunteered as a literacy tutor, at a homeless shelter, and at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate).
Besides her husband, she is survived by her three children: Heather Scribner and husband Andrew Phillips of Adelaide, Australia; F. Scott Scribner of Old Saybrook, CT; and Stephanie Scribner and partner Elle Vaughan of Portland, CT – and her four grandchildren: Genevieve Scribner, Florence Phillips, Anastasia Salvatore and Trey Salvatore. She also leaves behind her sister, Evelyn F. Eisenhardt and partner George Munday; and her brother Charles L. Eisenhardt and sister-in-law Barbara Hindley – as well as two nephews and many cousins.
Finally, we close with a bit of a confession. Loretta, ever frugal, would not approve of the spendthrift ways of such a lengthy obituary. And for this, since all obituaries are eternal, we resign ourselves to apologize ad infinitum because, in the end, there is little difference between penance and prayer itself.
Calling hours will be Friday, January 10th from 5-7pm at Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. A funeral mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 11th at the St. John Catholic Church, 161 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to: The Old Saybrook Garden Club, 36 Main St., PO Box 113, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
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