Loretta Weisenfelder McKinley
Loretta Weisenfelder McKinley, 99, of Beaumont, died Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Brookdale of Northwest Hills, Austin. Loretta Katherine Weisenfelder McKinley was born on November 18, 1923, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Helen J and Carl Weisenfelder, Sr. She moved to Beaumont at an early age, graduated from St. Anthony High School and attended Lamar College. While at Lamar, she was a member of Revelers and Red Shirts and Skirts. She married Emmett McKinley on June 5, 1943, and they raised two children, Kathie McKinley of Austin and Emmett J. McKinley of Houston.
Loretta retired from St. Elizabeth Hospital as Benefits Manager. She was a charter member of St. Pius Catholic Church where she served as President of Ladies of St. Pius, Vice President of NCCW, and a CCD Instructor. She was a charter member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic where she served as President of Ladies of Jude, was appointed by Reverend Salvador Culotta to assist in organizing the JOY Group, a parish organization for senior members. She served on the Visitation Committee for many years, taking Communion to the home bound. In 1989 she went on a pilgrimage to Italy with Monsignor Jerry McGrath. While the group had an audience with Pope John Paul, at which time Loretta received a personal blessing from the Pope. In the 1970’s, Loretta and Phyllis Kilpatrick organized the St. Jude Travelers, taking groups on world tours and cruises for many years.
Survivors include her daughter, Kathie McKinley of Austin; son, Emmett J. Houston; grandchildren, Sandra Stone of Houston, Bernard O. Stone of Rockport; Brian A. McKinley of College Station; brother, Andrew J. Weisenfelder of Little Rock, Arkansas; and five great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, of fifty-eight years, Emmett McKinley; her parents; sisters, Helen Lau, Adelaide Phinney, Betty Collins; and brother, Carl H. Weisenfelder, Jr.
A gathering of Mrs. McKinley’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2023, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Altus Hospice in Beaumont and Austin for their care and compassion.
Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- September 17, 2023
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- September 17, 2023
- 7:30 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church
- 6825, Gladys Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- September 18, 2023
- 10:00 am
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
I came to know Loretta through her ministry to Collier Park. She was so loved. May she rest in peace!
What a beautiful friendship Loretta and I shared through the past 50 years. I met Loretta through employment at St. Elizabeth Hospital in the Personnel Department. From the moment I met her, I admired and respected her faith, servant’s heart, vitality for life, dedication to family, and work ethic. She mentored me and and demonstrated such kindness that I regarded her as a mother figure in my life. My granddaughter Macy even has McKinley as a middle name. I have no doubt that when Loretta was escorted to heaven by the angels that she heard, “Well done good and faithful servant.” I thank God for the blessing of a lovely, compassionate friend.
I loved hearing Loretta’s stories of her young years in Beaumont going to school at Saint Anthony’s & so many of her fun escapades. She was quite an adventurer and I am glad to have known her in her young 90s. Loretta was loved by many.
Emmett,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. I have such fond memories of her throughout our childhood growing up.
How wonderful to have her at the age of 99 years young!
Please pass my expression of sympathy to your sister, Kathie, also.
What a sweet lady! My husband and and had the pleasure of traveling with her on a St. Jude trip several years ago. She was a hoot!
Loretta was a dear sweet lady. I know she will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family.
Dionne Fontenot
Loretta has been a customer and a friend for several years. We will miss her smiling face and the stories she told of her school days. She was a sweet lady. Love you💕💕💕.
Jack and I both loved our Lo so very much!❤️❤️🙏