Dr. Loretta Postillion VanDer Plas

1937 - 2020

Dr. Loretta Postillion van der Plas

Loretta, also known as Lori, died on December 19, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. She had numerous health issues that she dealt with, with great courage and grace.

Loretta was born in 1937 to Victor and Johanna (Nell) Postillion in Oak Park, IL. Her family lived in Cicero, IL.

Loretta was predeceased by her parents, her brother Richard Postillion and by her ex-husband Robert van der Plas. Survived by her loving life partner of 20 years, Steve Cunningham. She is also survived by her nephew Victor Postillion (Kerry) and their four children, her niece Donna Jarosz (Greg) and their two children.

Coming from a large Italian family, she is survived by many cousins. She was close to first cousins Robert "Bob" Marchi, Sharon Monroe (Jim), the late Len Colpo (Carol) and Arline Gunter who was like a sister to her. Other close cousins include Frank Postillion (Ann), John Postillion and Linda Yeoman (Stuart). In addition, she is survived by cousins Carm Scapucci (Leslie) and Arlene Roselli. She was predeceased by her dear cousin Janice Postiglione.

Lori is also survived by her best friend of over 60 years, Lu Lord and her husband Norman.

Dr. van der Plas received her BA degree from St. Mary's College, Notre Dame and both her MA and PhD degrees in psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. In Oakbrook, IL and Scottsdale, AZ, she practiced as a clinical psychologist for many years. She was very proud of the fact that she was able to help so many patients over the years with their life issues. She had a number of patients who stayed in touch with her long after their treatment was finished.

Loretta was very proud of her Italian heritage. Her father's family was from the Abruzzi region, and her mother's family was from the Veneto region. She was an expert on family history and the "go to" person for questions on how everyone was related.

Loretta was very grateful for the excellent care she received from many medical professionals at Mayo Clinic. She particularly wanted to thank Dr. Carolyn Moats for her care.

No services are planned at this time. In 2021 when the pandemic has subsided, we will look to have a celebration of her life in Arizona. She will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Illinois at a later date.

We suggest donations in her memory to St. Mary's Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009 or online at stmarysfoodbank.org.

Visit hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.