Dr. Loretta T. Zderad of Shallotte, NC passed on to be with her Lord July 26, 2024. Originally of Chicago, IL, she was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Albina Zderad, her siblings Albina Zderad, Agnes (William) Vlach, Frank (Angie) Zderad, Josef Zderad and Clement Zderad, and dear co-workers and housemates Josephine Paterson and Sue McCann.

Her illustrious nursing career began with a Diploma in Nursing from St. Bernard’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, followed by a Baccalaureate Degree from Loyola University. She advanced her education earning a Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., then a Masters and Ph.D. in Philosophy from Georgetown University.

She worked at several hospitals, and taught psychiatric nursing at the Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute, the Catholic University, Boston University, and Ohio State University.

In the 1970’s and 80’s she worked at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, Long Island, N.Y. where she advanced to be Associate Chief of the Nursing Service for Education.

In 1976 Loretta co-authored Humanistic Nursing with her dear friend Dr. Josephine Paterson. Their book was well-received and was therefore translated into Spanish and Japanese to be used as an educational resource overseas.

In 1983 she traveled to China with a professional seminar group, sharing her expertise in nursing.

Upon retirement Loretta, Josie and Sue moved to Shallotte, NC where they enjoyed developing new friendships and traveling in their motorhomes. Loretta will be remembered for her quiet demeaner and her caring heart. She was blessed by many dear friends and will be missed by all who had the privilege to have known her. Her family is grateful for the loving care she received at Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle and at Brunswick Health & Rehab Center and is especially thankful for those who helped her during her twilight years.

A mass will be celebrated at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 5101 Ocean Highway West, Shallotte, NC 28470 on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 10:00am.  Inurnment will follow in the Brunswick Memorial Gardens Columbarium.