Loretta F. Hays

Loretta F. Hays passed away suddenly on Sunday afternoon, July 7, 2024 while residing at Currituck House in Moyock, NC. She was 90 years old. Loretta was predeceased by her parents Nick and Mary Piccuito and her husband Frank Hays III who passed in 2016. She is survived by her three children; Karen Gould of Vestal, NY, Judy Hoffler and her husband Don from Whippany, NJ, and Frank Hays IV and his wife Christy from Chesapeake, VA. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Deven Gould, Kiersten Ferris, Rebecca Mongoij and her husband Mike, Richard Hoffler, Steven Gould, Chloe Hays and her great-grandson Lincoln Mongoij.

Loretta grew up in Millburn, NJ and graduated from Millburn High School. She went on to graduate from Liberty State College with a degree in dental hygiene.  She continued her career as a dental hygienist for many years. In 1956 Loretta married Frank Hays III and moved to Livingston, NJ to raise their family. When they retired, they moved to Endicott, NY to be near their daughter, Karen.  In 2010 they moved to Chesapeake, VA where they spent the remainder of their lives residing close to their son, Frank.

Over the years Loretta enjoyed working in her gardens, drawing, painting, knitting, sewing and making ceramic pieces.  She continued sports from high school, playing tennis or archery with friends and supported her daughters as a girl scout leader and cookie mom for many years.  More recently she would find joy in watching and studying the birds that gathered at the bird feeders outside her window every day and could frequently be found reading her bible or one of her favorite books. Loretta had a love of life and her family.

Loretta will always be remembered for the way she showed kindness and love towards everyone she met with a smile and laughter to brighten each day. In the words of her granddaughter, “Rest easy Nanny. You’re with PopPop now” We will miss you.

Loretta’s funeral will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in the chapel at 2 pm Saturday July 13, 2024.  The burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service. Pastor Richard Heath Jackson will officiate.  Please share a fond memory of Loretta or an expression of sympathy at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.