Loretta Ellen Mccoy

Loretta Ellen McCoy, 100, died on January 20, 2024. She was born to Neil and Margaret Sweeney on December 22, 1923 in Denver, CO. Loretta is survived by her children, Sheila Riordan (Michael), Kevin McCoy (Theresa), Diane Mapes (Kent - deceased), Kelly Newton (Russ), and Neil McCoy (Michelle), eleven grandchildren; Meaghan, Mark, Ryan, Mari, Terry, Chad, Kelly, Kasey, Cody, Patrick and Julie, and six great grandchildren; Maggie, Luca, Rowan, Adley, Hudson and Landon. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents Neil and Margaret Sweeney, her husband James McCoy, her son Terrence McCoy, and her daughters, Karen McCoy and Shannon Meany.

Loretta was second oldest of seven children, and was born and raised in Denver, CO. Her accomplishments were truly remarkable for the times she lived in. She was the only girl in her family to attend college, and she received a full scholarship to Loretto Heights College in Denver. She was president of the student body and graduated Magna cum Laude. Loretta enjoyed playing all sports in her youth and became an avid golfer. At the age of 91 she got her first hole-in-one at the Windsor Gardens golf course. Loretta was a teacher at several Catholic and public schools and was very active in the Windsor Gardens community where she lived for the past 35 years. She was a member of the "Silver Hotties" dance group that performed at the Denver Nuggets halftime show and other community events. She loved to travel and was able to attend many special events like the Super Bowl, Final Four basketball games, and other professional sporting events. Loretta also traveled many times to Europe on religious retreats, and family vacations.

Loretta met James McCoy while they were both in college, and they were married in 1948 after he returned from serving in the Navy during World War II. They had 8 children: Sheila, Kevin, Diane, Karen, Terry, Kelly, Neil, and Shannon. Loretta and her family were long-time residents in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver.

Loretta just recently celebrated her 100th birthday where her family and friends were able to honor her during such an incredible milestone. Loretta will be remembered fondly as a caring, kind, and thoughtful person. The way Loretta lived her life set a great example for her children and everyone she knew. She was able to combine ambition and hard work with kindness and acceptance of others. Hopefully her example will live on in everyone she touched.