Loretta Lowe, age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday April 10, at the UC San Francisco Medical Center, in San Francisco. She was born on March 25, 1958, in Bellflower California. She was a 1976 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach California. Loretta went on to graduate from the California State University in Long Beach, with a degree in Theater Arts and Communications. She spent most of her adult life living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She worked as a stage manager for the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Jose and the Attic Theater in San Francisco. Loretta worked as a professional meetings and event planner for several companies and then on her own for various medical, professional, and technical companies in the Bay area. She had a special passion for combining elements from her theater training into creating unique event experiences. For the past 18 years, Loretta was on the faculty of San Francisco State University, where she taught classes in event coordination. She also served as a mentor for student interns. A scholarship in her name was created at the University. Loretta loved scuba diving and was the trip and events coordinator for several memorable trips for the San Francisco based "Reef Divers". Loretta also had a passion for serving communities around the world impacted by natural disasters. She was a regular volunteer for "All Hands Volunteers," an organization who directly serves communities in the wake of major disasters. Loretta helped with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, a major earthquake in Pisco, Peru, the tsunami in Tohoku, Japan (near the Fukashima Nuclear Facility), a typhoon in the Phillipines, and Superstorm Sandy. She is survived by her mother Barbara; sisters, Susan, Kathie, and Nancy; her brother, Tim; and numerous nieces, nephews. A memorial in her honor will be held later this year. Donations may be made to The Loretta Lowe Memorial Events, Travel, and Tourism Scholarship via http://tinyurl.com/kuv349e or via post at Office of University Development, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, ADM 153, San Francisco, CA 94132 (write scholarship info on memo line).

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 17 to Apr. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Lowe

13 Entries

Tracy Lee

April 10, 2022

Remembering you today. Much love to you my friend.

Annette M.

February 25, 2018

Loretta was my first boss. After being a student I interned in her office and helped with events. I was in awe of her character, her integrity, and her grit. She will be missed!

Emily

May 22, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Loretta's passing. I worked with her on an event in San Francisco, but never had the opportunity to meet her as I was running it from New York. Loretta was so helpful, out-going, and kind during a very stressful time. She certainly was a mentor and a fantastic woman. Rest in peace, Loretta and know we keep your memory in our hearts. Emily

Linda Nelson

May 16, 2017

Loretta: was an inspiration to me during a CMP study group class she taught many years ago when I lived in the Bay Area. She was very smart and very generous about sharing her knowledge.

Karin Lamb

May 7, 2017

I look back at all the moments I spent with Loretta and only manage to wish there had been more. I truly appreciate everything she taught me, and it makes me smile when I think about how her often brusque manner protected a tender heart and an altruistic nature. Not only did I learn Event Management from Loretta, I learned about myself.
Loretta, I will truly miss you.
~Karin

Tracy Lee

April 28, 2017

Loretta was my best friend. Her energy amazed me. She touched so many lives in so many ways. Her curious, analytical nature sparked my thoughts. She was special. She was the sister I never had. I am missing her every day, and my thoughts are with her family. Much love.

linda house

April 24, 2017

I never met you Loretta, but your sister and my best friend, Nancy talked about you often. I'm glad your loving family were there for you, what a blessing. I pray you rest in peace now.No doubt you will be missed.

Debra Hunter

April 24, 2017

Kathie, and your whole family, my sincere condolences on the death of your beloved sister. I never knew her but she sounds like she was a very caring and intelligent woman. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Barbara (Blumberg) Kluger

April 24, 2017

In my experience with Loretta, she never wasted time or energy on trying to change or improve anyone. She accepted me and everyone else as we were, warts and all. Loretta always worked hard and laughed lots. I'm going to miss her very much.

Jennie Bowman

April 23, 2017

Rest well sweet Loretta. Our Vegas trips will never be the same. Love and hugs my friend

Sue Walton

April 21, 2017

To my MeCo Mentor's family. Loretta was the person who first invited me to join MeCo on January 6, 2006. And so began a life with 3600++ planners and suppliers, something which changed my life forever. She was my "red slippers moderator" because she gave me some red slippers (a perk of the hotel which she did not need or want) at the first MeCo moderator summit in Chicago. Loretta will be greatly missed by our entire Meetings Community (MeCo). Respectfully, Sue Walton, Senior Moderator the MeCo List, Evanston, IL

Barbara McManus

April 20, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go to Lorettas family and many friends. She has touched the lives of so many of us in the industry. Loretta...you are missed, may you be at peace.

Deborah Krant

April 20, 2017

I am so saddened to learn of Loretta's death. Loretta was my first mentor in the meeting and event planning industry. She taught a class I took at the SF State Downtown Campus Extended Learning Center and advised me on how to shape my resume and how to get jobs in this industry. She was kind, friendly, warm, hardworking and smart. Every time I ran into her at a meeting or event, she was friendly. She will certainly be missed.

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