Loretta Jo Gothard

Loretta Jo Gothard, 91 years old of Malvern, PA passed away Tuesday November 8, 2022 at St. Martha Manor in Downingtown, PA.

She was the wife of the late John F. Gothard.                       

Born June 2, 1931 in Mason, WV she was the daughter of the late Landon Smith and the late Marjorie Smith (nee Jividen).

Loretta grew up in Mason and met her husband at a high school dance. Loretta and John were married for 49 years before his passing in July of 2002. She was the mother to J. Phillip and Stephen R. Gothard (Diane Sheldrake Gothard) and grandmother to Jeremy, Alexander, and Jeffrey Gothard. Loretta graduated from Immaculata University with both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in psychology.

Early on Loretta worked so John could attend The Ohio State University after he returned from the Korean War. After working for a couple of years, Loretta decided to pursue a career in law enforcement as a Special Agent. She would go on to spend most of her 30-year career with the Interstate Commerce Commission and she retired as a Senior Special Agent. Her work was often dangerous and required her to work undercover for weeks and months at a time.

Loretta attended the Paoli United Methodist Church where her family is active.

She enjoyed food of all varieties. She loved to try new foods and she loved to cook big family meals. Her culinary skills were exceptional. She passed on that love of food to both of her children.

Loretta did not want a funeral service nor a burial. Her body has been cremated.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com