Loretta Florence Purdy

Loretta Florence Purdy, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025 in

Anderson, Indiana surrounded by the love of her family. A beloved wife, mother,

grandmother, and friend, Loretta was known for her "big heart," her unwavering faith,

and her dedication to serving others.

Born Loretta Lupardus on Christmas Eve, 1934 in Granite City, Illinois, she was one of

10 children born to Homer and Nellie Luparadus. Loretta was the last surviving of her 10

siblings, marking the end of a cherished generation for the Lupardus family.

After graduating from Granite City High School, she continued her education at

Southern Illinois University Carbondale. It was there that she earned a Bachelor of

Science and met the love of her life, Paul Lloyd Purdy.

Loretta and Paul married in 1957 and moved to Chicago. While Paul attended medical

school, Loretta shared her passion for science as a biology teacher at the prestigious

Von Steuben High School in Chicago. Following Paul's medical school graduation and a

one-year internship at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, the couple made a move that would

shape the rest of their lives.

In 1962, they settled in Petersburg, Illinois, the community Loretta would call home for

the next 63 years. It was here that she found her purpose and joy as a full-time mother

and homemaker. Together, she and Paul built a life centered on faith and family, raising

six children in a home filled with warmth, love, and purpose. A cornerstone of the

Petersburg community, Loretta was a passionate and deeply active member of the First

Baptist Church. Her kindness and generosity were felt by all who knew her, and her life

served as a testament to her deep spiritual convictions. In March of 2025, she moved to

Anderson, Indiana, where she spent her final months enjoying the frequent company of

her growing family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul L. Purdy, M.D., and her dear

son, Bradley A.Purdy.

Her legacy of love lives on through her surviving children: Eric Purdy (Paula), Charles

Purdy (Carol), Doug Purdy (Joy), Alison Pretti, Rachel Foster (Connor), and foster

daughters Susie VanNattan (Jeff) and Betty Keil (Bob). She is also survived by 21

grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren who will forever cherish their beloved Nana's

generous spirit and the "Christmas Eve baby" who enriched the lives of so many.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on April 11, 2026, followed by a

celebration of life at the First Baptist Church of Petersburg, 103 W. Sangamon Ave,

Petersburg, IL 62675.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Loretta's honor to the

First Baptist Church of Petersburg or to a charity of your choice.