Loretta Buonopane

Loretta Jean Buonopane (née Carroll), 77, passed away on September 3, 2025, in Natick, Massachusetts, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease followed by a brief illness. Born on August 4, 1948, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Loretta grew up in Revere, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Revere High School as part of the Class of 1966.

Loretta was known for her youthful spirit-young at heart, young in appearance, and always full of life. Her sense of humor never faded, even in the face of adversity. She brought warmth and laughter to every room she entered and remained upbeat through life's many challenges.

Over the years, Loretta built a diverse and dedicated career. She worked for the Newton Housing Authority for many years before transitioning into retail and later finding her calling working with animals. Her time at Framingham Animal Hospital was especially meaningful to her; she felt truly at home there. When her beloved father needed care, Loretta selflessly left that role and moved to Florida to be by his side. In her later years, she found joy and camaraderie working at The Dollar Tree in North Reading-a job filled with laughter and connection.

Loretta was a devoted mother to her two daughters: Erica Buonopane of Lynn, Massachusetts, and Jodie Freid of Natick, Massachusetts. She was also a loving mother-in-law to Erik Freid and a proud grandmother to Jacob Freid (17) and Luke Freid (14), whose lives she enriched with unwavering love and enthusiasm. She cheered Luke on at football games with pride and delightfully engaged with Jacob's artistic talents and culinary interests. She celebrated their achievements in martial arts with joy and admiration.

Family meant everything to Loretta. She shared a close bond with her sister-in-law Marjie Carroll of Virginia and her nephew Steve Shaw of Maine. She also cherished many nieces and nephews over the years. Loretta was predeceased by her mother Helen May Rose Carroll (Foster), her father Alfred Lee Carroll Sr.-whom she lovingly referred to as her "hero"-her son Eric who passed shortly after birth in 1973, her brother Fred Carroll, her sister Joan Shaw, and her aunt Dori Issa.

A tireless provider and nurturing soul, Loretta raised her daughters as a single mother, overcoming hardship with strength and grace. Her sacrifices were many-always putting her children first-and she never stopped worrying or caring for them no matter their age. Her resilience was matched only by her generosity; she gave freely of herself to family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers.

Loretta's home was always filled with love-and often filled with pets who completed her family. Most recently, she shared her days with Hershey, her cat of 18 years, and Copper, her daughter's dog who lived with her for the past two years. Her love for animals extended beyond companionship; she was an advocate for their well-being throughout her life.

She found joy in simple pleasures: preparing delicious meals (her lasagna was legendary), celebrating holidays surrounded by loved ones, playing board games with her grandsons, tending to houseplants, shopping for little treasures, relaxing with TV shows, or enjoying the serenity of the beach.

Raised Protestant before converting to Catholicism upon marriage, Loretta instilled strong spiritual values in her children. Her faith remained steadfast throughout life; she held deep beliefs in God, heaven, and spirituality.

Loretta's legacy is one of fierce love, quiet strength, boundless generosity, and an enduring sense of humor that lifted those around her even during difficult times. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

May Loretta's memory bring comfort to those who carry it forward-and may we all strive to live with the same compassion, courage, and devotion that defined her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.