Loretta Bernice Chegash

Loretta Bernice Chegash, age 90, of Chatham Ridge Assisted Living, 114 Polk’s Village Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, was born July 17, 1934, in New Kensington, PA, the daughter of Anna Sexcinski. She passed away peacefully on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, of natural causes.

Loretta is survived by her children: Thomas John Chegash Jr. (Karen), Tina Marie Oakley (Donald), Diana Costello (Donnie), Daniel Chegash (Linda), Peggy Sue Williams (Charles), and Andrew Chegash (Amy). She also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren: Marshall Gowings, Sarah Chegash (Sarah), Bryce Dallmeyer, Nicole Matthews (Shane), Daniel Chegash (Sara), Brandi Williams, Samantha Oakley, Christin Williams (Jacob Smith), Donnie Oakley, Drew Chegash, Summer Quinn (Jacob), Mandy Chegash, Katy Chegash; and four great-grandchildren: Dakota Chegash, Makayla Favoro, Cooper Smith, and Finnley Smith. Loretta is also survived by her sister Bonnie Hill (Eugene) and two nephews, Sean Hill and Patrick Hill.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Thomas J. Chegash Sr., and grandson Thomas John Chegash III.

Loretta graduated from New Kensington High School, New Kensington, PA, where she met her beloved husband. She was active in the New Kensington High School majorettes and Sokol gymnastics team, winning medals in the Chicago region competitions. Loretta also participated in local tap and dance teams, for which her mother hand-sewed all her outfits for competitions.

Tom joined the United States Navy in 1953, and they married in 1956. They began a 24-year adventure in the Navy with duty stations along the eastern seaboard: Quonset Point, NY; Annapolis, MD; Jacksonville, NC; Portsmouth, VA; Newport, RI; Ithaca, NY; and Orlando, FL. Loretta and Tom moved their family to Chapel Hill, NC, in 1977, where Tom began his civilian career at NC Memorial Hospital (later UNC Hospitals) and Loretta worked as a buyer for Roses Department stores.

Throughout her life, the Roman Catholic Church was the foundation of her faith. She was deeply devoted to the love of God, the Holy Trinity, daily mass, and the rosary, which provided her with a deep-rooted faith, strength, and the belief in eternal life. Loretta began attending St. Thomas More Catholic Church in 1977, where she volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister, held Sacristan's duties, washed and ironed altar linens, and participated in Catholic Daughters and many committees supporting the church.

Loretta enjoyed camping, fishing, exercising, traveling, yard sales, antiquing, collecting memorabilia, donating to charities, and cooking Polish and traditional foods. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her husband and family.

Loretta will be missed for her kindness, love, and strength.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to:

Aegis Home Care, 40125 Moring, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, especially Alan Millikan (owner), for his support in caring for Loretta.

Chatham Ridge Assisted Living, 114 Polks Village Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, especially Lisha Vandersteen (Director) for her dedication in caring for Loretta.

Liberty Home Care and Hospice – 1005 Carthage St., Sanford, NC 27330, especially her nurse, Nora Brooks.

UNC Family Medicine – 590 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill NC 27599, especially Dr. Timothy Daaleman.

Services –

Viewing -Sunday, May 18th, 2025, 4 pm – 6 pm, Walkers (New) Funeral home, 11680 US Highway 15 501 N, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Funeral Mass for Loretta B. Chegash – Monday, May 19th, 2025, 2:30 pm, St. Thomas More Church. 940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Committal service – Following the funeral at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery - 1721 Legion Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Flowers: Chapel Hill Florist, University Florist

Donations can be made in honor of Loretta B. Chegash to: St. Thomas More Priests' Retirement Fund, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514