We Remember
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 Family Memorial will take place on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024, at 10:30 AM (PST), in The Family Centre at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. Please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the memorial (see below).
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.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Celebration of Life:
Service
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM
Location
TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
Dear Shawna & family, We are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing and are praying for the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. With love, Nancy & Lorne
Dear Keith, Lisa , Cam &Shawna. I’m so sorry about your great loss. In the stillness may you hear her laughter & feel her love around you. You have our Italian culture to bring everyone together and be one family.. Take care of each other. Stay in touch.
Diana & Dale
We were deeply saddened to hear about Loretta’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We can’t imagine what you are going through, but we want t you to know our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy
Loretta and Larry
Keith and family, I have many wonderful memories of growing up with Loretta in Kelowna and I am thankful we will be in heaven together. Love Nives (cousin)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Keith and family, with the loss of our dear friend. May your memories bring you peace. We are here for you if there is anything you need.
Love always, Lyn and Julio
My heart is sad that the world has lost such a beautiful woman. I cannot imagine the loss each of you are feeling with her gone. Praying peace over each of you.
Dear Lisa and your beautiful family; I am truly sorry for your loss and sending you love, strength and support. I had the fortunate experience to live with you, Lisa, in on-campus housing at UVic and was always impressed with the strong connection and love you had with her family – you’re a strong, caring and accomplished woman and I could tell that you were raised by a wonderful mother. Thinking of you, Melissa
My cousin Cathy and I first met Loretta while attending Annunciation School in Prince Rupert. Our friendship continued throughout high school. When I moved to Kelowna to attend Okanagan College our friendship became stronger and I was honoured to be a bridesmaid at Keith and Loretta’s wedding. We shared the same birthdate June 4th and never missed a year sending each other birthday wishes.
Keith and family, Loretta was one of the kindest most generous people I’ve ever met. Jesus has taken her far too soon. She will be missed so much by her family and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest In Peace Dear Loretta!❤️💔❤️
My heartfelt condolences to you Keith and your family. I know what you are going through and hope you stay strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Keith and Family, I am truly sorry to hear of Loretta’s sudden passing. I can remember visiting with my Mom when I was a young child and spending time with your family. Loretta was a lovely lady and she was so loving and giving to others. I can understand your pain and know that God will comfort you during this difficult time. My condolences to the whole family.
Keith and family. We are all heartbroken over the loss of Loretta. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing that we are all thinking of you. May God Bless you all.
Oh my! I was very surprised to see that Loretta has passed! Keith and your family please know how much I enjoyed all the times Loretta and I spent creating wonderful homes for you both. Loretta always was a joy to work with and spend time with. You will miss her terribly but please reflect on all the wonderful memories you shared.
Jorin
Dear Keith and family our deepest condolences to all of you. I remember Loretta as a baby and little girl very well. We were friends and paesani of Arturo and Dosolina. Our prayers are with all of you and Arturo. Arnaldo and Rosa Basso
My condolences to the Stutter’s family. Keith and Loretta were very kind to my family when I was young and helped our family out a lot when we were kids. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
Im so sorry to hear this tragic news. Sending much love and sympathy to your entire family. Lorretta was such a wonderful lady she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Dear Keith: I just heard that your lovely wife Loretta passed away. I am sad for you and your family but happy for Loretta for she is with Jesus who she loved and served so well. . We wait for the Grand Reunion with our loved one in God’s time. Pete’s funeral was on August 12, 2023. My love and prayers are with you. I will be watching online, as I can’t attend the Celebration of Loretta’s Life. Romans 13:15 “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him”. Shirley Unrau
Dear Keith, I have just sat down and had time to watch Loretta’s celebration of life! What a lovely wife you had! A lovely tribute to her! Our sincere sympathy to you! Rhoda
Dear keith. I just heard of this sad news today. I am heartbroken to hear this. I cant tell you how blessed I always felt when you both came to town. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Margaret sarazin.