Loretta May Rucker

On October 7, 2021, Loretta May Rucker of Bronx, New York - Beloved daughter of the late Aleane Smith-Rucker and Mayo Rucker; devoted sister of the late Edith R. Curry; loving aunt of Michael Curry and David Curry; cherished niece of Sade Nocho and the late Charles Nocho; she is survived by many loving cousins. Loretta spent her childhood in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. She served for almost 40 years as an Occupational Nurse with major banks in New York City. The Bronx was truly her home where she comfortably lived the majority of her life as a “native New Yorker”.

Loretta grew up in Sewickley, a suburb west of Pittsburg.  She was baptized at an early age at Triumph Baptist Church and was committed in life to the tenets of a Christian for herself and her family. After graduation from Sewickley High School in 1949, Loretta began her studies in nursing at the Lincoln School for Nurses in the Bronx, New York.  The school, founded in 1898, was the first school of its type in the United States to train black women to become nurses during a time when this type of education was not available to African Americans.  She graduated and completed her professional certification as a Registered Professional Nurse from the state of New York in August 1953.  She served as an Occupational Nurse for some of New York City’s largest banks, retiring from Chemical Bank in 1990.

Loretta lived independently in her Bronx community well into her 80’s.  She was a prolific reader and enjoyed listening to jazz music and reading as much as she could.  Loretta loved to engage in debate over the issues of the day and wasn’t shy about discussing political topics.  Her favorite foods included petite lamb chops, collard greens and a good cup of coffee in the morning.  Loretta was a true people person and was fascinated with discovering different cultures.  She loved the natural world around her and her favorite was watching butterflies.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 10 - 11 AM at the Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Inc., 328 Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA 15143 where a Funeral Service will be held following visitation at 11 AM.  Burial to follow in the Sewickley Cemetery. 

The obituary, announcements, sharing a memory, directions to the funeral home and instructions for sending flower arrangements can be found by clicking on the Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Inc. website atthe link below, then clicking on “Loretta Rucker” on the Recent Obituaries section of the site:https://www.richarddcolefh.com

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