Loretta Casale

EXETER - Loretta Casale, 88, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, at Exeter Hospital following a decline in her health. Born in Boston, MA on May 10, 1936 to parents Margaret and Dominic Thomas and sibling to elder brother Peter Thomas and sisters Delores Melegrano and Constance Flores, Loretta was a proud Italian woman with a fierce passion for life. She lived in a way that few are capable of doing. Her devotion to family and friends was unmatched, and she cared deeply for those close to her. An incredibly friendly and open-minded woman, she would frequently be caught chatting with strangers and would take any opportunity to make a new friend. Her positive energy and attitude were infectious; she was the life of the party and the queen of the card table. In addition to her lively demeanor and enthusiastic attitude, Loretta was also known for her hard work and dedication. While raising three young children in her mid-30’s, she started a job at Bell Telephone in Haverhill, MA to ensure her family would be able to enjoy the fruits of life. Over the course of her career at Bell Telephone, Loretta ascended from a telephone operator to a clerk in the engineering department, and she took great pride in her work. She retired in the early 2000’s to spend more time with her family. Through her hard work, she was able to afford to teach her children how to swim, ski, and golf, which were passions of her own. Loretta was renowned for her incredible cooking, never showing up empty-handed to a single family gathering. Her Italian cuisine was revered among family and peers alike – she could out-cook any chef using the same recipe. Nobody left her house with an empty stomach, or without leftovers to be enjoyed over the coming days. Loretta’s spunky and larger-than-life personality, positive “go-getter” attitude, and fervent love for her family and friends will be sorely missed. She is survived by her son, Michael Casale and his wife Cathy of Peterborough; her daughter, Lisa Lortie and her husband Brian of Exeter; and various grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Paul Casale, her husband, George Casale, and her brother, Peter Thomas. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Loretta for her funeral Mass on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St Michael Parish, 9 Lincoln Street, Exeter, NH 03833. Burial will be private and Loretta will be laid to rest beside her husband at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Loretta’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here.

Loretta Casale

May 10, 1936 - September 23, 2024