Loretta L Morgan

Loretta's wonderful life journey began in San Francisco, California, on November 6, 1926. She was the first-born child of Frank and Josie Belle Healy. As their family grew, she was joined by brothers Frank and Pat, and sister, Rita. A job change took the family from sunny California to the cool, rainy weather in Seattle, Washington, where they would reside for many years. Loretta attended Catholic Grade School and went on to graduate from Holy Rosary High School in 1944, where she was on the Honor Roll every year. While going to school, she worked part time at a restaurant and a florist shop, while also learning to ice skate, ride horseback, play tennis, and swim. With a genuine love of learning, she continued her education at Seattle University with a focus on nursing. In the midst of World War II, she joined the USO to support the service members from all around the globe when they found themselves in the greater Puget Sound Area. While ice skating with a group of soldiers, she met a young man by the name of Victor Shaver, from Colorado. Their mutual attraction eventually led to marriage in May of 1946. Settled in Seattle, they started to grow their family. Between 1947 and 1960, they welcomed two sons, and five daughters. New job opportunities took the family from Seattle to Lacey, then to East Wenatchee, and eventually back to Lacey over the course of several decades. Throughout the years, Loretta was actively involved in the children's varied interests and activities. There were countless sporting events, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, PTA, drill team, cheerleading, horse shows, music lessons, Navy Mom's, and so much more. Loretta's impeccable organizational skills and seemingly infinite energy served her well throughout the years. Vic and Loretta divorced in 1974. Busy raising a family, she didn't finish her nursing degree, but did work in a couple medical research offices. She always considered herself a perpetual student and furthered her learning at every opportunity taking classes at community colleges, Seattle Pacific University, and Saint Martin's University. Loretta was an avid fan of writing poetry with a special fondness for Haiku. As a published poet, she received two awards from the International Society of Poets. Following her divorce, she also became a personal assistant to Father William Treacy of St. Michael's Parish in Olympia. They developed a bond that would last a lifetime. Father Treacy referenced himself as the family's personal priest. In many ways he was, as he officiated weddings, baptisms, first communions, and celebration of life services throughout the years. What a gift! After all seven children were out on their own, Loretta moved back to Seattle where many of her immediate family members still resided. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Washington State Department of Trade and Economic Development where she would remain until her retirement. Some of Loretta's community involvement included Chamber of Commerce, Queen Ann Historical Society, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Ecumenical Church Councils, and several medical and trade groups. In 1985 while attending a Bible Study Class, Loretta met Dean Morgan. Originally from Alaska, the divorced father of two adult children was working for a Seattle firm as a mechanical engineer. Loretta and Dean's connection was special and immediate, and led to marriage in August of 1986. They shared many common interests including gardening, lawn bowling, race walking, birdwatching, and traveling. And travel they did! They visited Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Denmark, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada, Mexico, and much of the United States including multiple visits to Alaska and Hawaii. As much as they enjoyed all of their travels, due to her deep faith most meaningful for Loretta were the Holy Land Pilgrimages. She had served as secretary for two Pilgrimages prior to meeting Dean, and was delighted to have him join her for her third visit to the Holy Land. Following Dean's retirement, they moved to Lacey to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In addition to attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Loretta and Dean also nurtured their spiritual growth as volunteers and oblates of Saint Martin's Abbey. They officially became snow birds when they bought a lovely condo in Sun City, Arizona, where they made many new friends and stayed as busy and active as ever. Enjoying the best of the seasons in both Washington and Arizona suited them well. Loretta and Dean welcomed family and friends into their winter and summer homes with open arms. Loretta thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and did it well! In the fall of 2013, they embraced a new chapter in their lives when they moved to the lovely Panorama City Retirement Community where they would spend the remaining years of their life journeys. Four years after Dean's passing in 2020, Loretta's well deserved angel wings guided her safely home to Heaven, uniting them for eternity. To quote one of her favorite sayings, "Together is a wonderful place to be!" Loretta is survived by: son Greg (Liz) Shaver of Renton; daughter Lori Maughan (Roger Bogden) of Olympia; daughter Chris (Gordon) Kurz of Hockessin, Delaware; daughter Linda (Michael) Morey-Radach of Lacey; daughter Jan Ward of Olympia; and daughter Vicki (Tracy) McAferty of Olympia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and other extended family members. Loretta was predeceased by her parents and siblings, husband, Dean Morgan, son Doug Shaver, grandsons Derek Morey and Darrik Seibold, and son-in-law Bill Seibold. A Celebration of Loretta's Life will be held in the Spring of 2025. Please consider donating to Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice Providence SW Washington Foundation (https://give.providence.org/wa/pswf) or a favorite charity of your choice in honor of Loretta.