STUTTERS, Loretta
June 4, 1955 — July 5, 2024
Our beloved wife, Mom, and Nana, Loretta Stutters, went to be with Jesus on the morning of July 5, 2024, in Ospedale Versilia, Italy, in a country that she loved visiting and felt at home in.
Born Loretta Anna Bazzana to Italian parents in Prince Rupert, BC, Loretta spoke Italian at home and learned English when she went to Kindergarten. Loretta was the eldest of 2 children, with a sister 8 years younger than her. In 1970, Loretta’s family moved to the sunny Okanagan, for work and to live closer to their Italian family in Kelowna. There were many aunts and uncles that Loretta loved dearly and was very close to.
Loretta went to KSS and, in grade 11, Keith Stutters spotted her playing basketball in the gym, at lunchtime. Keith was determined to meet her and when he did, sparks flew. They dated, fell in love, and went to prom together. After high school, Loretta attended Okanagan College and graduated with the first Dental Assisting class in 1974. Keith and Loretta married in 1975. Loretta worked as a Dental Assistant, until Keith and Loretta’s firstborn arrived in 1980.
Loretta was a devoted and loving wife to Keith, and caring mom to Lisa, Cameron, and Shawna. Loretta was their taxi driver, taking them to sports and lessons, and their biggest cheerleader.
Loretta also loved Jesus and received Jesus as her personal Saviour in 1978. While raising their children, Loretta was supportive and active in women’s ministries at Mission Creek Alliance Church. Her vision was to empower women, and for them to encourage and support others in our local community. Loretta, along with her team, organized events for women, with an emphasis on finding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and supporting them and empowering them in their daily lives. Loretta cared deeply about the local church and community, especially single and widowed women, families in need, and children. She planned many events for women, like fashion shows and outreach gatherings, with inspirational speakers. Her generosity of time and resources encouraged many.
During this time, Loretta also worked with Keith in their business. In the early days, Loretta was the secretary and, later, remained involved as Keith’s business partner. Loretta was Keith’s sounding board and confidant, as they built their business together. They had mutual respect and balanced each other, creating an excellent team.
Loretta loved her family. She was proud of her Italian heritage and valued family time together that always centered around huge spreads of amazing food. Loretta was an exceptional cook, and shared her family’s Friulian customs and culture through acts of love and kindness. Loretta was also intentional with people, thoughtfully inviting others over for meals, dropping meals off at people’s homes, talking to everyone in the room, and creating spaces for them to feel cared for and loved.
Loretta enjoyed life and accomplished the things she set her mind to. It was important to Loretta to always look presentable and, being Italian, was always styled in the latest fashion. Loretta also had a keen eye for interior design, and co-designed the houses that Keith and Loretta built. Loretta also loved writing and corresponded with many people, including missionaries and children that they sponsored overseas. Most of all, Loretta loved family vacations, time with Keith, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Loretta was a loving wife, mother, Nana, and friend. Loretta leaves behind her adoring husband of 49 years, Keith Stutters; children Lisa (Jordan) Schneider, Cameron (Leigh) Stutters, and Shawna (Jonathan) Whiting; 8 grandchildren; her father Arturo Bazzana; and sister Diana (Dale) Bryan. Loretta was predeceased by her mother, Dosalina Bazzana.
A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below).
Thank you to Enzo; the Ferrante family; and Alex, Maja, and the staff at Plaza E de Russie in Viareggio, Lucca, Italy for their immense kindness, helpfulness, and compassion.
Loretta leaves a legacy of love and is now in heaven, whole and free.
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