The long and selfless life of Loretta Martin Cafazzo, 85, of West Yarmouth, MA formerly of Hartford, CT, ended at home on February 2. Loretta's last months were made easier by the extraordinary care of her husband, Joe, and the soulful guidance of Hospice, especially her nurse Gail Miley. Loretta is survived by her loving husband, Joe, her daughter and best friend, Mary Cafazzo Gyra, her devoted son-in-law, Mike, her dear friend and sister-in-law Pat Paquette, and many nieces and nephews.

Born September 19, 1929, Loretta was the youngest child of Margaret (Whalen) and Thomas Martin. She was predeceased by two brothers she dearly loved — Tommy and Harold ("Chub.") Loretta graduated from Bulkeley High in 1947.

Anyone who knew Loretta loved her for her kindness, admired her for her activism, and relished her feisty personality. However, Loretta never sought the spotlight; in fact, she shunned it. She was a "boots on the ground" type who chose to fly beneath the radar. Whether marching for civil rights during the 60's in Hartford, supporting equality for all people, or simply challenging the roadblocks that prohibit greater equity in our communities, Loretta was moved to support the underrepresented and the ignored. Her generosity was quiet, but it touched the lives of countless others, from the homeless and poor of Hartford and Hyannis, to students in need at Barnstable High School, to her family and friends. For years, Loretta often made daily contributions of food and clothing to the Noah Shelter and CHAMP Homes.

Loretta found great happiness being at home and working in the yard with Joe. She also cherished summer trips with family at the Jersey Shore. When her Keds hit the boardwalk in Atlantic City or Wildwood, NJ, she truly celebrated "the moment" — the ocean air, the cacophony of sounds, including the unmistakable Jersey accent, the glow of neon lights, the excitement of Morey's Pier, the fireworks on the beach, the taste of Douglass Fudge or an epic funnel cake, and of course, a hot one-arm bandit. These simple things made her heart sing. Her friends and family will always cherish those memories and the laughter they brought her.

Calling hours are on Saturday, February 7, 8:30am at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, followed by a 10:00am funeral Mass at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church, 494 New Britain Ave., Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CHAMP Homes, 82 School St., Hyannis, MA 02601. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com