M. Ellen Loretan

M. Ellen Cuddy Loretan, 89, of Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully at Tidewell Hospice House on September 20, 2025, after a years-long battle with dementia. She was born March 28, 1936, in Auburn, New York, to Florence and George Cuddy. She graduated from Holy Family High School in 1954 where she was involved in many musicals. Ellen then attended The State University of New York at Oswego as an elementary education major. In addition to a full class load, Ellen was active in the symphonic choir and her Sorority Alpha Sigma Chi. At Oswego she met her husband to be, Robert Loretan. She graduated in 1958, married Bob in 1959 and moved to Solvay, New York. Bob and Ellen relocated several times while raising their four children and eventually settled in Sarasota after retirement. She worked as a public-school teacher for over 20 years in New York State. After raising four children, Ellen completed her Master of Education with a specialty in Reading and focused on making learning fun within a well-run classroom. She was a creative teacher who believed that students should be taught in a manner that would help them retain information. She wrote numerous rap songs on subjects ranging from geography to math, one of which was recognized by the 'New York State Teacher'. Bob and Ellen were married for 66 years. She is survived by her husband, sister Mary (Simon St. Laurent); her four children, Timothy, Scott (Annie Loretan), Susan and Claire (Jon Duncan); five grandchildren, Claire (Adam Froehlich), Meghan (Kayla McKinney), Meredith (Shane Sarbieski), Christopher (Cailyn Miller) and Nathaniel; one great grandchild Alban; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is predeceased by her brother James (Laila Cuddy) and sisters Nora (Jack Costello) and Maura (William Kehoe). Friends and family will remember Ellen for her musical ability, wonderful sense of humor, generosity, fun loving spirit, quick wit and love of family. She enjoyed singing in the church choir at St. Thomas More and spending family vacations on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She loved music, reading, puzzles, humor, playing cards with friends and singing at any time while harmonizing with any one. Ellen's life will be celebrated with a Mass at 11:00 am on October 15th at St. Thomas More with a catered reception to immediately follow in the Spirit Center (located next to the Church). In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Thomas More Twelve Baskets Food Pantry.