Margaret Cuddy Loretan

1936 - 2025

Margaret Ellen Cuddy Loretan, 89, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice House on September 20, 2025, after a years-long battle with dementia.

Born on March 28, 1936, in Auburn, New York, to Florence and George Cuddy, Ellen graduated from Holy Family High School in 1954, where she participated in numerous musicals. She went on to attend the State University of New York at Oswego as an elementary education major. While managing a full academic schedule, she was active in the symphonic choir and her sorority, Alpha Sigma Chi. It was at Oswego that she met her future husband, Robert Loretan. They married in 1959 and began their life together in Solvay, New York.

Ellen dedicated over 20 years to teaching in New York State public schools. After raising four children, she earned her Master of Education with a specialty in Reading. Known for her creativity in the classroom, Ellen composed educational rap songs on subjects ranging from geography to math-one of which was recognized by the New York State Teacher. She believed deeply in making learning both effective and enjoyable.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert; her sister Mary (Simon St. Laurent); her children Timothy, Scott (Annie Loretan), Susan, and Claire (Jon Duncan); grandchildren Claire (Adam Froehlich), Meghan (Kayla McKinney), Meredith (Shane Sarbieski), Christopher (Cailyn Miller), and Nathaniel; great-grandchild Alban; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was predeceased by her brother James (Laila Cuddy) and sisters Nora (Jack Costello) and Maura (William Kehoe).

A Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 15 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Sarasota, followed by a catered reception in the Spirit Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Thomas More Twelve Baskets Food Pantry.