FURLONG, LORETTA (NEE FLYNN) (1911 - 2008) Loretta was born to John and Josephine Flynn (Byrne) of Boncloddy Street, St. John's, NL on July 27, 1911. It was here that she learned to play, pray and help out at home and in her father's cooper shop as did her three older sisters, Irene (George Martin), Madge (Marty Spry) and Marie (Charlie Kent); and her two brothers, Mike (May Wheeler) and Jack (Ermelina O'Connor). Loretta attended Our Lady of Mercy School where she studied a variety of subjects, played the piano, sang in choirs, danced on stage and performed in musicals such as "Veronica's Veil" and "Pilot's Daughter". Eventually, like four of her siblings, Loretta moved to the USA to find work. Following a period of employment in Philadelphia (Bell Telephone Company) she returned to St. John's to help care for her mother. It was here that she married Edward Furlong (deceased) and raised eight children: Edward (Eleanor Carew), Robert (Catherine Prowse), Eleanor (deceased), Pat (Erica Noonan), Dennis (Pierrette Arsenault), Madelyn (Tom Doody), Garry (Marina Collier) and Dolores. Loretta was a loving, affirming and energetic wife, mother and friend. She was especially animated and energized by the academic, athletic and personal successes of her seven children, seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Her tireless preparation, hand knit creations and audible support would make "farther, faster and higher" a great possibility for childhood challenges such as academic events, music festivals and sports days. Loretta passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in her Fredericton residence on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. She will be greatly missed by her sister-in-law Margaret (Fred Whitten) her large family, many friends and wonderful care givers. Loretta's life was full of love, laughter and music. Her relatives and friends will honor Loretta's life at Caul's Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road on Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Mary Queen of Peace Church on Monday, August 25 at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Belvedere Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Caul's Funeral Home or donations forwarded in Loretta's memory to the charity of your choice. On behalf of Loretta, her family expressed sincerest appreciation to the special friends who generously and lovingly labored to make her life comfortable, enjoyable and happy; especially her care givers JoAnn Donald, Carolyn Bradford, Pat Hine, Beth Morrison; her hospice care worker Ann Murphy (BN), her doctor Tom Barry and her extramural nurses.