With deep sadness we share the passing of Loretta (Chick) Dickhout on July 3, 2024 in Orwell, New York at the age of 85. She will be sadly missed by her son, Stephen. Loretta was predeceased by husband, Graham; parents, William and Mary McDonald; brothers Bren and Lou; sisters Jean, Joan, and Rose; mother-and father-in-law, Gladys and Merton; sisters-in-law, Hilda and Pearl, and brothers-in-law, Trav and Larry. Loretta was born in Bishop’s Falls Newfoundland on July 23, 1938. She was educated by the Presentation Sisters in Bishop’s Falls, NL, and earned her RN at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. She nursed at Botwood Cottage Hospital in NL for a short while, but as a newly graduated nurse moved to Dunnville and embarked on a successful nursing career at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, in the ER, on the Surgical and Cardiac floors, and as Evening Supervisor. She later became Director of Care at Grandview Lodge in Dunnville. She moved with her husband, Graham and son, Stephen to the US and continued her nursing career as Director at Willing Helpers Home for Women in Johnstown, NY. Loretta was a resident-volunteer nurse at Unity Acres in Orwell for over 20 years, until the time of her death. Since 2004 Loretta spent summers at her cottage on Lake Erie in Dunnville where she enjoyed the evening sunsets, fellowship at Sherbrooke Baptist Church, and the company of family and friends. She is survived by sisters-in-law Roberta House, Heather Dickhout, Vicky Cowlin, and Gloria Tobin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and England. She will be sadly missed by her co-workers, the many residents, and members (past and present) of the Unity Acres Community. Special thanks to Hospice of Jefferson County and Joan Shea (niece) who cared for her during her final weeks. A Funeral Service was held at Sacred Heart Chapel, Unity Acres. A Committal Service will be held in Dunnville at Sherbrooke Baptist Church on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Highbanks Cemetery. Lunch will be served following the service. She was a woman of strength and determination, strong faith, love for her family and friends, and protective of her son. Her motto in life: ‘Your work is your prayer’. In memory of Loretta, donations may be made to Unity Acres online at unityacres.org.
