Loretta Ann Cannon

MILLINOCKET, Loretta Ann Cannon, 84, died August 17, 2023, in Millinocket Regional Hospital from end stage dementia. She was born May 27, 1939, the daughter of Helen Stolitza and John Raymond.

Loretta's extended family immigrated to the United States from Ukraine, Austria and Romania, eventually settling in Dixonville, PA, with many other Ukrainian families. She spent her childhood at the family farm in Dixonville surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Many in her family worked at the local coal mines.

After attending high school, Loretta moved back to NYC where she worked as a bartender for several years. In 1961 she had a son, named Christopher. Shortly thereafter she met Louis Villani in Brooklyn, they married, and had a daughter, Nadine. The family of 4 stayed together for 14 years, living in Virginia Beach, VA while Louis was stationed in the Navy.

When Louis retired from the service, the family moved to Millinocket, to be near Lou's family. Loretta continued to work as a bartender, plus sold advertising for the Katahdin Times newspaper.

In 1987 Loretta married John "Butch" Cannon. They shared their love of gardening, traveling, fine food and wine. They were active in the Sherman community, often helping to cook and serve community dinners and helping with the Old Home Days annual celebration. They summered in Prince Edward Island for many years, enjoying every moment together. Loretta and Butch were married 31 years. Sadly, Butch died in 2018.

Loretta had several hobbies. She painted ceramics for many years, making sure both of her children were gifted handmade Christmas ornaments and lighted Christmas trees. Her daughter Nadine taught Loretta how to sew. They both shared the love of quilting, creating wall hangings, table runners and bed quilts together.

Loretta was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed murder mysteries and carried a special fondness for Sue Grafton and James Patterson books. Loretta and Nadine swapped hundreds of murder mysteries between them over the years.

Loretta enjoyed the music jams held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. She would joyfully sing along and dance when the opportunity arose. She had the magic touch for winning the 50/50 raffle frequently.

Loretta was an active member of the Catholic church. She attended St. Martin of Tours in Millinocket, then St Benedict's parish in Benedicta, and finally St. Mary of Lourdes in Lincoln. She enjoyed passing out the weekly church bulletin, filling the holy water station, praying the rosary, and also helping with the annual Harvest Supper.

Loretta was predeceased by her parents and her husband Butch. She is survived by her daughter, Nadine Villani, her husband, Robert Urwin; her son, Christopher Brockway, his wife, Terri; grandson, Joey Stewart, his wife, Brooke; great grandchildren, Taylor, Haleigh, and Charolette Stewart.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, 142 Main St., Lincoln, ME. Friends and family may call from 11:00 to 12:00 with mass beginning at noon. Loretta will be interred at the Northern Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Caribou, with her husband Butch, at a later date. To share condolences and memories online visit www.bowersfuneral.com