Loretta Albright

1928 - 2021

Loretta Albright
June 24, 1928 - March 11, 2021
Olympia, Washington - A truly great matriarch, Loretta Joyce (Ashurst) "Rett" Albright left this world on March 11, 2021, to join her beloved husband, Aubrey. Their three children, Pam, Val and Jim, were honored to be with her at her time of passing.
Loretta's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest joy of her and Aubrey's lives. She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: Her daughter Pamela Albright Shearer and husband, William "Perk" Shearer, their two daughters, Selina Peikert Shearer, husband Wenzel Peikert, and their daughters Alta Lena and Edel Linde and daughter, Brieann Shearer Padden, her husband James Padden and their daughters Brooke Elizabeth and Kimber Loretta and their son James Aloysius (JP); Loretta's daughter, Valerie Lee Albright and her husband Steven Warp, Valerie's son, Jared Scott Maple and his wife Hilary Alexandra Bremner, and daughter, Alexa Loretta Knight and her husband Samuel Thomas Knight and their daughter Graihagh DeGabriele Knight; and Loretta's son, James "Jim" William Albright and his wife Erin Lyn Sheehy, their daughter Charlee Augustine Albright, and Jim's sons Kevin Christopher Albright and Trevor James Albright and his fiancée Alyshia Blythe Bentley.
Born in Seattle, Washington, on June 24, 1928, Loretta was the only child of James and Catherine Ashurst. She was raised in a loving intergenerational family, where she learned how to observe and listen. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946. Loretta married Aubrey William Albright on July 9, 1949, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle. Aubrey told Loretta after their first date that he was going to marry her, and they ended up sharing a marriage of 62 years. The story of their love is legendary. The spirit of their union is reminiscent of two eagles in flight, together for eternity. They were blessed to have traveled extensively throughout the world, but it was home and family that mattered most.
Loretta went back to school in the early 1970s. She was awarded her first degree in Early Childhood Education at NSCC in 1973. She continued on to earn her bachelor's degree in Social Welfare from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1976. Loretta completed her formal education at Seattle University with a Master's in Public Administration in 1981. A lifelong learner, she also studied Gerontology at the University of Oregon as part of a research grant. Loretta retired as a tenured Educator at North Seattle Community College, teaching a variety of courses in the field of Human Development. During one of her teaching years, she also served as the state administrator for the Department of Social and Health Services. After her move to Olympia, Loretta taught at The Evergreen State College, had a private practice as a mental health counselor, developed and held grandparenting workshops, and she and Aubrey launched their own company, Ship Shore Inc., earning another sweet success.
A Mass will be held to honor Loretta on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at noon, at St. Michael's Westside Chapel, where both Aubrey and Loretta served as Eucharistic Ministers. Loretta's early childhood was spent in Roslyn, Washington. She was blessed in her later years to reconnect with her roots during many visits to Roslyn with Jim, Erin and Charlee. During these visits, Loretta reconnected with elementary school mates and enjoyed spending time with her first cousin, Harold Ashurst, and his wife, Jodell. At Loretta's request, her celebration of life service will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Roslyn, date yet to be determined. This is the same church she was baptized in as a baby with the DeGabriele side of her family, with whom she remained very close her entire life.
Loretta enjoyed many supportive friendships, from her beloved PEO Sisters, Book Club members, bible study group, St. Michael parishioners, neighbors, academic colleagues, and her and Aubrey's lifelong friends. There remains great joy and pride in being a friend or family member of Loretta's. Each one of us was a part of her and she remains a part of us. To say she will be missed will be forever an understatement. Many were touched by her innate loving wisdom and her determination to live life to the fullest in all the stages of her life. If you were seeking an answer to a personal issue in your life, Loretta was an amazing guide. Her advice calmed your heart. That was one of her God-given gifts. Rest in Power and Peace, Loretta.
Donations in Loretta's name may be sent to The Salvation Army or PEO Chapter Y (360-791-0576).
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