Loretta Zvarick

Loretta Agnes (Gross) Zvarick, 84, wife of the late Albert J. Zvarick, 8th Ave., Collegeville, died Saturday, Dec. 21 at Einstein Medical Center – Montgomery, E. Norriton Twp.
Loretta was born on Nov. 7, 1929 in Evanston, Il., and was a daughter of the late Felix P. and Loretta A. (Pihlgren) Gross. Loretta was in the first graduating class of St. Eleanor School in 1943. She then attended Villa Maria Academy and finally at Maryvale Academy in Baltimore she was a member of the second graduating class in 1946. In 1976, at the age of 46, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Ursinus College, Collegeville.
Loretta married Albert J. Zvarick on May 14, 1949 and they raised a family of 12 children and three foster children on the family farm in Collegeville. Albert was employed as the Chief Chemist at the Superior Tube Company and was also an Ursinus graduate. Before she retired, Loretta was a Realtor for more than 20 years with Remax Achievers.
Loretta was a tireless advocate of family support and education while raising her own family. She served and the Executive Director for the Philadelphia Childbirth Education Association where she was instrumental in educating thousands of women on children's health and family harmony. Additionally, she served in an executive position for La Leche League and Family Service of Montgomery County. Loretta also was an avid rug braider and collaborated with rug braiders worldwide helping to organize events throughout the country. Loretta, with her husband, was also active in the student exchange program and hosted many foreign exchange students over the years.
Loretta was a member of St. Eleanor Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister and organist. She was also member of Keystone Grange #2, Trappe.
Loretta is survived by her children, Albrette J., wife of Albin Zvarick, Collegeville, M. Margaret, wife of Guiseppe Scillia, Collegeville, James F. Zvarick, Collegeville, Marcella J. Pigeon, Trappe, William G. Zvarick, Baltimore, G. John Zvarick and his wife Liana Grigoryan, Collegeville, Roseanne M. Zvarick, Norman, OK, Albert G. Zvarick, Collegeville, and Felix S.G., husband of Kathleen (Koerber) Zvarick, West Chester; her foster sons, Dennis Anastasi, Penndel, and Jay Bryson, Philadelphia; her siblings, Peter D., wife of Shirley (Maslo) Gross, Drums, Mary F., wife of Charles Bobb, Beavertown, and Julia E., wife of Ralph Geiger, Lansdale ; 23 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert J. Zvarick; children, Catherine M. Kinslow, Stephen I. Zvarick, Gerard P. Zvarick, and Justin G. Zvarick; and her siblings, Robert Gross, Laurabelle Larson, and Barbara Jean Gross.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at St. Eleanor Catholic Church, 6th Ave. & Locust St., Collegeville.
Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, E. Norriton Twp. Friends may call from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., Friday Dec. 27, at St. Eleanor Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1140 King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345. Arrangements are by Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc., Trappe.