Bridget Loretta McManaman was born to Hugh and Ann McHugh McManaman, both of Ireland, on January 2, 1913, at Spalding, Nebraska.  She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sisters.

In September, 1935, she entered St. Catharine Novitiate, receiving the name Sister Ivo.  Later she returned to her baptismal name of Loretta.

After her first profession, April 30, 1937, she was assigned to St. Dominic Academy, Waverley, Massachusetts, as Prefect.  She wrote an account describing her first mission that reflected her care and dedication to the students and their families.

When her brother, Father Linus McManaman, OSB, was ordained in June 1945, Sr. Loretta attended the ordination at St. Benedict Abbey, Atchison, Kansas.  While still visiting her family after the ordination, she received an assignment to be a dietitian at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Lebanon, Kentucky.  As head of the Food Service Department she was well liked by her staff.  She was a great favorite of the doctors too since she provided them with “extra special” treats for their meetings and dinners.

In the culinary arts her greatest claim to fame were her fruitcakes.  She shared this talent by giving each Sister at the hospital a fruitcake as a gift.

In 1961, Sr. Loretta went to the newly built Sansbury Infirmary as Food Service Supervisor.  The Sisters loved her because she took personal interest in each resident’s menu and visited the Sisters to make sure their requests were granted.  She remained at Sansbury until 1966, when she became Food Service Administrator at Siena College, Memphis, Tennessee.

Once again she returned to Mary Immaculate Hospital in 1969 as Food Service Administrator.  She served in that capacity until 1972 when she directed her talent to more personal service to the residents of Sansbury as Nurses’ Aide.  For 15 years she ministered to the Sisters there.

In 1988, Sr. Loretta retired from Sansbury and took up the role of community service at the Motherhouse.  When she returned to Sansbury as a resident in 1996, she took an active part in the social and prayer life of the community.

Sr. Loretta always remained very close to her family, especially her nieces and nephews who visited her frequently.

Sr. Loretta, may you rejoice now in the presence of your God and your loving family members who welcome you to eternity.

Sisters who have been born into eternal life since July 1, 2008

Sister Mary Laurene Yancovitz, OP born to eternal life on December 27, 2008

Sister Agnes Mauricia Walsh, OP born to eternal life on December 14, 2008

Sister Michelle Lavin, OP  born to eternal life on October 13, 2008.

Sister Rose Imelda Rogan, OP born to eternal life on September 25, 2008

Sister Mary Dominic Stine, OP born to eternal life on September 19, 2008

Sister Anne Catherine Boone, OP born to eternal life on July 18, 2009

Click here to read about Sisters and Associates who died from

July 1, 2005 to June 30,2006.

July 1, 2006  to June 30, 2007

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