ROCHESTER - Loretta F. (Bailey) Alty, 77, of Rochester, lost her battle to cancer on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born on December 14, 1940 in Wiscasset, Maine, daughter of the late Melvin A. and Sadie (Grover) Bailey.
She graduated as the Salutatorian of Morse High School in Bath, Maine class of 1959.
Loretta was a lady with a big heart and smile that warmed a room. Her interests were playing cards, cribbage, and search-a-word books. Whether with family or friends, she was in for the win. Whenever she was given gifts of chocolate or cookies it was always followed by a big smile and then with a very sincere "Thank You." She enjoyed volunteering at the Meals on Wheels and always looked forward to special visits with her best friend Theresa George at Saturday morning breakfast, bingo, cribbage or attending Relay For Life in Rochester, walking the track for their Survivor lap. Now you're both together taking those special walks. A high point of excitement for her was a trip to Hawaii with her brother Melvin and sister-in-law Marge Bailey.
Loretta worked for Somersworth Shoe Shop for 20 years and General Electric for 18 years. She was a true believer of giving to community and veterans. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Rollinsford, and then transferred to Rochester. She was also a very proud member of the VFW in Somersworth, joining in 1972 and became State President from 1984 to 1985; "Keep Freedom Ringing." Loretta was part of a group of concerned citizens and community leaders to help promote civic pride and to stimulate the involvement of city residents in the revitalization of Somersworth back in 1981 by forming the Somersworth Festival Association formerly known as the Somersworth International Children's Festival.
Loretta was predeceased by her parents Melvin and Sadie Bailey; her brother Melvin Bailey Jr.; sister Annette Jones and brother-in-law Alvin Jones.
She is survived by her brother Don Bailey and wife Shirley of Clinton, Maine; her sister-in-law Marge Bailey of Madbury, son, Carl Delano III and wife Johna of Springvale, Maine; daughter Diane Cormier and husband Ray of Rochester, daughter June Bragdon and husband Todd Mitchell of Gonic, and her son Jeremy Alty of Colorado; grandson Ryan Bragdon of Rochester, granddaughter Kristal (Cormier) Worthington and husband Joseph of Lancaster, Mass.; great-grandchildren Kenna and Izaac Bragdon and Grayson Worthington.
Loretta was anxiously awaiting the birth of her great-granddaughter Hayden Worthington in May. Loretta also leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews.