Loretta Mae Rondeau McGinnis, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home, on March 9, 2018. Loretta was born July 28, 1929 in Burriville, Rhode Island to Adolphe and Mary Ellen (Darby) Rondeau. She grew up in Rhode Island and worked there until she joined the Air Force in 1955. While stationed at Andrews AFB, she met her future husband, Francis Xavier McGinnis and they married in 1956. Over the next 16 years, Frank had many assignments. Loretta left active duty to raise her family. Mary Ellen was born in Washington, DC in 1957 and Frances was born in England in 1959. Returning to the states in 1968, they were stationed at Scott AFB in Illinois.
When the AFCS Headquarters moved from Scott AFB to Richards-Gebaur in 1970, the family lived on the base until Frank retired in 1972 and then they moved to Grandview. After Frank died in 1988, Loretta moved to Lee’s Summit to be close to her daughter, Frances.
Loretta was a devout Catholic, was a long term parishioner of St. Matthews in Kansas City, Missouri and later, Holy Spirit in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was always ready to help with various projects, be it at school or church. She was a wonderful mother, a talented seamstress, a creative cook, an avid gardener, and made beautiful ceramics. She loved to socialize with various groups such as “Les Chapeaux Rouges” (Red Hatters). She was known for her fashionable style and kind heart. She will be missed by her many friends and family.
Loretta is survived by her 2 daughters, Dr. Mary Ellen McGinnis of Kansas City, Mo and Frances McGinnis of Lee’s Summit, Mo, a nurse anesthetist, both practicing at the Kansas City Veterans Administration Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, five brothers and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to be sent to Bishop Sullivan Center 6435 Truman Road, KCMO 64126. www.bishopsullivan.org.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 17 at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1800 State Route 150, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64082. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am followed by a visitation until the beginning of the service. Loretta’s cremated remains will be interred in a private family ceremony, at Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Mo. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Loretta over the last 11 years while doing her nails. She was always a delight and had an amazing sense of humor. Thank you for always bringing her in to see me Frances. I know she was always appreciative of you for doing so. I will miss all our witty banter back and forth and getting to pamper her.
Mrs McGinnis was a huge part of my childhood and one of my favorite people in life. Her humor and warmth enveloped anyone who walked into the room. She not only raised wonderful daughters, but she treated everyone like family. Like many, I will miss her dearly, but have no doubt that she’s with those who proceeded her, laughing and reminiscing. Much love to Mary Ellen and Frances as they lay this lovely woman to rest.
I have had the pleasure of being in her company for over ten years. She has taught me the true meaning of raising children in difficult times and the key to making them succeed.she has taught me that everything in life has a purpose and it can be used to make you function at the highest level possible.I will forever remember her teachings and the love that she has always extended to my family and I. Love forever PAUL JOHNSON SR.
So blessed to have had the pleasure of noing you. You made me laugh out loud with your since of humour. You were a class act until the end. God had gained an angel. Miss you already. Love you