Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Loretta McIlhenny Obituary
She was born May 8, 1938, in Allentown, Pa., to Catherine and Charles Mink. She graduated in 1960 from Penn State University where she was president of Zeta Tau Alpha, circulation manager of the student newspaper, The Daily Collegian, and a member of the scholastic honor society, Scrolls. She was employed as a research technician at Parke-Davis, Detroit, Mich. and the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Mrs. McIlhenny was active in her community and was a member of the East Lyme Beautification for many years. She served as a member of the East Lyme Pool Commission from 1999 to 2014, was a founding member of the East Lyme Aquatics and Fitness Center Foundation, a member of the Board of Trustees of the East Lyme Public Library and was a volunteer student recruiter for the Connecticut Valley Penn State Alumni Association.
On September 1, 1960, she married Hugh McIlhenny originally of Gettysburg, Pa., also a 1960 graduate of Penn State. Mr. McIlhenny died in January 2007.
While raising her family, Mrs. McIlhenny was a school health aide in the East Lyme Schools and in 1985 she worked as a respiratory therapist at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, retiring in 2000.
Mrs. McIlhenny is survived by her daughter, Lynn McIlhenny Clark and granddaughters, Allyson and Lynsey Clark, all of Oconomowoc, Wis.; she was predeceased by her son Craig McIlhenny, and is survived by her daughter-in-law Shizuka Kubota, granddaughter Kay McIlhenny, and grandson Ian McIlhenny, all of Larchmont, N.Y.
Cremation services will be private, and her ashes will be interred in Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, Loretta would like to be remembered through donations to St. John's Episcopal Church, Niantic, CT or The East Lyme Public Library, Niantic, CT.
Arrangements are being handled by Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, Niantic, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Loretta McIlhenny
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
susan silvestri
August 21, 2024
I met loretta back in march as her caregiver. we had some laughs and nice talks. she was a pleasure to be with. sue silvestri
George Bond
July 30, 2024
I be met Loretta though my Daughter in law, Debbie Lemelson. When we visited the area we always stopped by to see her. We went to lunch. When I was up for my 50th Academy reunion Sunday we met for church as we were Episcopalians also. She will be missed by me but hopefully can see my wife now.
Gina Conover
July 28, 2024
Loretta was such a kind soul with a beautiful smile. I so enjoyed our chats. My deepest sympathies to all. May she rest in eternal peace.
Gina Conover
M. A. - YNHH
Debbie Lemelson
July 27, 2024
Loretta, My friend for always
and will miss you . We had some wonderful times and sad times and I shared everything with you. Love you always, Debbie
Jeannine Sicard
July 27, 2024
Lynn: I cannot tell you how heartbroken I am, having heard of your mom`s passing. She was a beautiful lady, and I have so many wonderful memories that we shared when I lived in Connecticut. She was my school health aide in the health room and I know all of the students loved her. I know this is another great loss for you and I am incredibly sad for you, and for all who had the privilege of knowing your mom. I will always remember her, and she will always be a part of my heart. Although I have not seen her in sometime, we have been texting back-and-forth since I moved to Florida. I send you much love, prayers and condolences.
The Christensen Family
July 27, 2024
She was a dedicated volunteer in East Lyme and a credit to the community. We send our condolences to the Family. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Loretta McIlhenny's name
Memorial Events
for Loretta McIlhenny
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
How to support Loretta's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Loretta McIlhenny's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
