Loretta Mathena

RINDGE, NH - Loretta (Brown) Mathena of Rindge, NH passed away peacefully at home, Saturday, January 17, 2009, after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Loretta was born March 20, 1938 in Williamson, WV, the daughter of George D. and Ida Bell (Grace) Brown. She was married to Joseph W. "Bud" Mathena. The couple moved to Fitchburg upon Bud's posting to Fort Devens. Loretta worked at the former Union Products in Leominster for 30 years, until her retirement in 2000. She was a warm, generous, caring, wise and above all loving individual. Loretta loved to travel, shop and write poetry and took great pride in decorating and maintaining her home. She also loved to cook and used any excuse to have a big family meal. She especially loved the Christmas holiday season. Her family was a source of great pride and she doted upon her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. With a wonderful gift for storytelling, Loretta often regaled friends and family with tales of her upbringing in the south. Many of her stories were funny, others poignant but all were enthralling, even to those who had heard them a number of times. She often collected donations for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Never did she walk past a Salvation Army kettle without offering a bit of money and a word of encouragement. A truly selfless individual, Loretta was known for putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She often demonstrated her love for others through simple acts of kindness that spoke louder than words. She leaves to her family a legacy of wisdom, strength and love; attributes that have created a closeness that any family would be fortunate to share. Loretta made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. God's light shone through her by her simple acts of kindness. While she loved life's many offerings, her greatest love was for the Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith allowed her to draw her inner strength for him. Loretta attended the Bethany Baptist Church in Gardner. Loretta was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Joseph W. "Bud" Mathena who died in 2002; by her son, Danny L. Mathena; several brothers and sisters and her son-in-law John Goguen. She leaves five daughters, Pamela Jo Kotoch and her husband Joseph of Fitchburg, Tammy Lynn Goguen of Rindge, NH, Candy Sue Vine and her husband Gregory of Rindge, NH; Kimberly Plouffe and husband Wayne of Winchendon, Cindy Louise Mathena of Rindge, NH; two brothers, George D. Brown, Jr. of Port Austin, MI and Verlin Alexander of Bristol, VA; nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, especially Billie Christly of Radford, VA, whom she loved as a sister and Ronnie Mathena and Johnny Mathena of Princeton, WV who also held a special place in her heart and the family pets, Bear and Mimi, who gave here great comfort and joy. Funeral services will be held, Friday, January 23, 2009, at 1 p.m. in the Bethany Baptist Church 72 Ryan St., Gardner. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 22, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John H. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in her memory to the Bethany Baptist Church - Memorial Fund 72 Ryan St, Gardner, MA 01440. For more information or to sign the online guest book please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. John H. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });