On February 15, 2026, Loretta Jane Paul nee Merrick was called Home. As she wished, she passed away peacefully at home in Wolcott with her family at her side. Loretta was born November 9th, 1936, in East Rochester, New York to Mary Anna Merrick nee Fanning and was the granddaughter of Edith Anna Fanning nee Wood.

Loretta was predeceased in 2014 by her husband, Harold David Paul. Loretta was a loving mother and always there for her family. She was predeceased by her stepsons, Howard Paul and George Paul, and her sons Infant Paul and James Paul.

Loretta is survived by her stepchildren Barbara (Leon) Thompson of St. Cloud, Florida, John Paul of St. Cloud, Florida, and Patrick (Margie) Paul of Orem, Utah and their many children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children Lorrie Ann (Charles) Scott of Wolcott, New York, Thomas (Lorinda "Rinny") Paul of Saugerties, New York and Donald Paul of Martville, New York and their children Michael (Mary Catherine "Kate") Scott, Lauren (Chris) Valencia, Suzanne (Kevin) Mayone and their children Kaylyn Valencia, Luca Mayone, Carlo Valencia, Elwood Scott, and Caterina Mayone. As Loretta became homebound, she enjoyed being a big part of Elwood's life in her final years as he visited often. Loretta is predeceased by her five older brothers James (Shirley) Merrick, Raymond (Helen) Merrick, Robert (Esther) Merrick, Donald (Sally) Merrick and Richard (Irene) Merrick and survived by only one sister-in-law, Sally. She is survived by her cousin Linda Sorg as well as many nieces and nephews including Richard (Sue) Merrick, Jr. who was like a son to her.

Loretta was an excellent homemaker who raised her family in Wolcott, New York and retired from North Rose-Wolcott School district after working 23 1⁄2 years as a Teacher's Assistant devoted to the students at Florentine Hendrick School. Loretta was a woman of faith and enjoyed attending out-of-town conferences and events such as Gaither concerts. Prior to her illness, she was devoted to a card ministry and knitting/mitten tree ministry. She was a local scout leader. Loretta enjoyed many cruises and traveling as a member of Forever Young Seniors, with family, and
with travel buddy Marlene Donk. She was especially pleased to reach her lifelong dream of traveling with her daughter to Hawaii and Alaska. Loretta enjoyed summers at her summer home at Failing Shores, Three Mile Bay, New York. She was an active person participating in a Bowling League, waterskiing, camping, and biking. She loved campfires and Christmas lights. In later years she enjoyed
reading, puzzles, Scrabble, knitting and her nightly Jeopardy watching. Loretta had a wonderful sense of humor and can only be described as feisty with the nickname of "Firecracker" and will be remembered for her beautiful blue eyes and her love of
the Mets, second only to her love of her family. A celebration of life memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at 1 PM at North Wolcott Christian Church, 12764 Church St., Wolcott, NY 14590, with a graveside service in the spring at North Wolcott Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Becker-Keysor Funeral Home, Red Creek. For those wishing to donate, donations in Loretta's name may be made to North Wolcott Christian Church, 7986 Broadway Road, Wolcott, NY 14590.