Loretta Massey made her transition to the ancestral homeland on March 21, 2013 after a brief but courageous battle with uterine cancer. She requested that her remains be cremated and that there be no memorial service. We have honored those requests and ask you to join us in celebrating her life in your own special way.
Loretta was a lifelong resident of Kansas City. She was the oldest of five siblings and took her first-born status seriously; she was always there in time of our need. She attended Central High School and was a proud Mighty Blue Eagle. Her first “real” job was at Southwestern Bell Company where she started out as a telephone operator after high school and worked her way up the ladder to various managerial positions. She retired from Southwestern Bell after 28 years. At the time of her death, she worked part- time at Vatterott College as a receptionist.
We have many memories from Loretta’s Book of Life that we will savor and ponder. We will remember her wry sense of humor that always kept us laughing.
We appreciated the many acts of kindness displayed during Loretta’s illnesses from friends and strangers alike. Although the family lovingly took care of Loretta at home, we are especially grateful for the compassion and professionalism of the staff at St. Luke’s East and Plaza Hospitals who walked with us on this difficult journey.
The death of our daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother brings us more pain when we know that early detection of her cancer would have prolonged her life. Unfortunately, the uterine cancer went undiagnosed and untreated until it was in its advanced stages. Loretta’s quality of health care was complicated by her life-long fear of doctors and hypodermic needles. We strongly urge you and your loved ones to know your family’s medical history and to get regular checkups. Life is a precious, one-time gift; cherish it and live well.
Loretta is survived by her two sons, Aaron and Roger Massey; her mother, Lollie Brashears; and three sisters, Cheryl McRae, Jamala Rogers and Vanessa Massey. She leaves behind two nieces, a great-niece, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren along with aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father, Bennett Massey Sr. and brother, Bennett Massey Jr. preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Cancer Institute, St. Luke’s Foundation via their website or to 4225 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64111.
