Loretta Schmitz died peacefully in Oakland on August 15, 2016 after a prolonged illness. Loretta was born in New York City on October 30, 1935 to Nicholas and Josephine (Tucciarone) D'Agostino. She excelled in her studies at the Mary Louis Academy (Queens, NY), the College of New Rochelle, and University of Chicago. While in college, Loretta began her lifelong career as an advocate for social justice as a member of the Young Christian Students. Through YCS, she met her future husband, the poet Dennis Schmitz. The couple wed in 1960, eventually settling in Sacramento.Throughout her life in Sacramento and Oakland, Loretta was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She also continued her activism for peace and justice-- including the causes of nuclear disarmament and abolition of the death penaltyand served as a Eucharistic minister at various hospitals. Loretta is survived by Dennis, her husband of 56 years, and their five children (Anne, Sara, Martha, Paul, and Matthew), and ten grandchildren (Alex, Rosali, Victoria, Josephine, Sophia, Daniel, Samuel, Gordon, Irene, and Peter). A memorial mass will be held at St. Augustine's Church, 400 Alcatraz Avenue in Oakland, on Thursday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Partners in Health (www.pih.org) or your favorite social justice cause are appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Schmitz

13 Entries

Lorraine krofchok

August 17, 2024

A lovely woman. So dedicated to peace and Justice.

Soleil Gregg

August 17, 2022

It's hard to believe that Loretta has been gone so many years, but her memory lives on. She was such a dear person, and I was privileged to be part of her family. I am thinking of her children today, especially son-in-law Matt. Loretta was so proud of all of her children and grandchildren.

Soleil Gregg

August 17, 2020

It's hard to believe that it has been four years since Loretta left us. I have thought about her during the recent BLM protests and how she would have been out there with her signs, standing up for justice. I'm reminded of her every time I use my Grandmothers for Peace tote bag and give her a nod whenever I engage in any political action, whether it's a protest march or a call to Congress. She was a wonderful example to us all in making the world a more just place for all people.

September 5, 2017

There is a depth & breadth to her all too rare on this earth. Her notes reverberate.
~ Theresa Ann Vinciguerra

Madeline LaValley

September 16, 2016

Dennis, After having such a wonderful visit with you and Loretta in March, I miss Loretta even more. As Zoie said, she was my companion for the journey too. If it had not been for Loretta keeping in touch all those years ..... She kept us all in the loop on a deep level. And it was so lovely going to Yellowstone Park with you both and Loretta with her leading us in song every time we were in the car. She must have known the words to hundreds of songs and she had such a lovely voice. It was so fun. A wonderful break from seriousness.

September 12, 2016

Dennis--I learned late of Mrs. Schmitz's death. I send my condolences to you and the family. I shall remember her in prayer. Robert Bense

Karen Champoux

August 29, 2016

8-29-16 Dennis, I just learned this evening of your beautiful Loretta's passing.... I am so saddened by your loss. You will be in my prayers. May Grace and peace be yours.

roger aplon

August 24, 2016

Thinking of Loretta I'm reminded of an address/prayer delivered by William Sloan Coffin Jr. to a graduating class at Yale University in the early nineteen fifties - here's a portion of the prayer he offered:
. . . may we leave in the world a little more truth, a little more justice, a little more beauty, than would have been there had we not loved the world enough to quarrel with it for what it is not, but still could be.
Loretta lived the life of Coffin's prayer to the fullest & with unswerving generosity & grace.

Zoe Keithley & family

August 24, 2016

Loretta, you have been a boon companion on the road!!! My life was blessed with knowing you and working with you. The inspiration you are will stay to support & comfort us along our paths! You are dearly loved and thanked!!! Your light will shine on us and within us still!

August 24, 2016

Matt, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayers are with you and your family. May the wonderful memories you have together help you through this time of grief. Love and hugs to all of you. Kimberly Ramsey, Blake and Taylor Mercer

August 23, 2016

Add your message My sincere condolences to your family. May God "who comforts us in all our trials" (2 Cor 1:4) comfort you and your family at such a difficult time. I know God will help you to endure because he cares for you (1Peter 5 :7).re.

Lorraine Krofchok

August 23, 2016

My deepest sympathy to Loretta's family. She was extraordinarily devoted to the cause of peace and justice. I was so very proud she was part of Grandmothers for Peace.

Billy Jack & Soleil Gregg

August 23, 2016

Loretta was a wonderful person whose dedication to social justice and love of family made the world a better place. We were honored to know her and will miss her. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.
Love,
Billy Jack & Soleil Gregg

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results