Loretta was born on September 27, 1955, in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Steve and Frances Slemko. She was raised on a farm north of Coaldale alongside her brother, Kenneth Slemko (Kathy Thompson), and sisters, Mary Coles (Walter) and Rosanna Stevens. It was there that she developed the strong work ethic and resilience that would define her life.

She graduated from Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale and went on to study laboratory technology at SAIT. After completing one year of studies and a year-long practicum at St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge, she specialized in hematology. Loretta embarked on a fulfilling career as a laboratory technologist and team lead, working throughout Alberta.

Loretta was introduced to her husband, Kevin, by her sister Mary on a blind date. Kevin often joked that it was Loretta’s love of hockey that first drew her to him. They were married on June 30, 1979, in Coaldale. As Kevin served with the RCMP, their family relocated approximately every three years, living in Cardston, Sherwood Park, Claresholm, Red Deer, and eventually returning to Sherwood Park.

Loretta found her greatest joy in her family. She was a loving mother to her three children: Steven Simmill (Kathy), Lisa Orton (Jeff), and David Simmill (Brittany). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jared and Riley Orton; Emma, Isla, and Ava Simmill; and Mason and Makenna Simmill, who were truly the center of her universe. Loretta also cherished her close relationships with her nieces and nephews—Ken Coles, Mike Coles, Angela Hope, Sarah Slemko, Kris Slemko, Tom Funk, and Jim Funk—who filled her life with laughter and love.

A passionate hockey fan, Loretta was a lifelong Edmonton Oilers supporter, which often led to playful rivalry in the household, as Kevin remained a steadfast Toronto Maple Leafs fan. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, sang in the St. Ambrose choir, and faithfully served with the Catholic Women’s League for the past 16 years.

Loretta will be remembered for her kindness, quick wit, resilience, and sense of humour, as well as her deep love for her family and friends. Over the past 25 years, she faced significant health challenges, including receiving a double lung transplant in 2015. Throughout every setback, she met her journey with grace, strength, and unwavering positivity. The family is eternally grateful to the donor family and the transplant team for the precious gift of ten additional years and countless cherished memories.

Loretta was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Frances Slemko; her in-laws, Sheila and Grainger Simmill; and her brother-in-law, Tom Stevens. She is also lovingly remembered by her devoted friends and extended family members, especially Doug and Chris Simmill (Andrea McKellar & Alex Simmill) and Nancy and Dale Robbins (Allison Walton & Emily Stobbart).

A Prayer Service will be held at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 – 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Peter Lilienthal officiating.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and Memorial Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Loretta’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Loretta will be laid to rest in a private Graveside Service in the Coaldale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loretta’s memory to the Alberta Lung Association (ablung.ca), a cause dear to her heart.