M. Loretta Lopinot

M. Loretta Lopinot, 59, of Belleville, IL, born Friday, October 12, 1951, in Houston, TX, died Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Loretta was a graduate of St. Teresa Academy, Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University. She was a lifelong professional librarian and served, at times, as law librarian of St. Clair County, Director of the Cahokia Public Library and as reference librarian at Southwestern Illinois College. She was a member of American Association of University Women, The American Library Association, Zonta Club of Belleville, St. Clair County Historical Society, Jarrot Mansion Project, Belleville Heritage Society, The Fete du Vieux Bontemps, HALO and The American Civil Liberties Union. She was a student and lover of history and dedicated her life to literacy and the freedom to read. She was named a State of Illinois Woman of Achievement, Les Amis de la Fete and received the Betty Hackmann Volunteer Recognition Award form the St. Clair County Historical Society.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Father: Honorable Jerome F. Lopinot
  • Mother: Mary Patricia nee Darmody Lopinot


Surviving is her:

  • Husband: Russell K. Scott, whom she married on December 30, 1978
  • Brothers
    • Honorable Vincent J. (Connie) Lopinot of Swansea, IL
    • Joseph F. (Mary Greteman) Lopinot of Highland, IL
  • Sister: M. Annette Lopinot of Swansea, IL
  • Nieces
    • Lucy Lopinot of Swansea, IL
    • Ellen Scott Whisler of Ottawa, Canada
    • Sally Whisler of Raleigh, NC
  • Nephew: Andrew J. Lopinot of Swansea, IL
  • Her beloved Aunt: Faye Graham of Collinsville, IL
  • Many Cousins, In-Laws and Friends

Special thanks: The family wished to acknowledge the professional and compassionate care rendered throughout her illness by the Siteman Cancer Center and Memorial Hospital.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the HALO, Inc., The St. Clair County Historical Society or the charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Friday, June 3, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Father John Myler officiating. Private family interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL.

Condolences left for M. Loretta Lopinot:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Loretta will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all.

    Bridget and Blake Tinsley Highland IL 62249

    I thank God for giving me my beautiful talented niece. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. God bless her.....her loving Aunt Faye.

    Faye Graham Collinsville IL 62234

    A distant cousin and good friend, she was too young and too beautiful to be lost so soon.
    Deep condolences to all the family.
    Charly LaRobardier

    Charly LaRobardier Belleville IL 62223

    I am so saddened to hear about Loretta. She was a vivacious individual who made you feel that you were so important to her every time she talked to you. I will miss her terribly as a friend and as a fellow librarian.

    Barbara Rhodes Collinsville IL 62234

    Russ Was so sorry to learn of Loretta's passing, & quite a shock. We didn't even know that she was ill. We both thought a great deal of her. Our thoughts and condolences go out to you, & to the Lopinot family. Her passing is certainly everyone's loss.
    Mick Gnavi & Betty Daly


    Mick Gnavi & Betty Daly collinsville ill 62234

    Russ
    You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your lovely wife Loretta.
    She was the most friendliness, upbeat and positive person I have ever known.
    She was very courageous in her battle.
    She always had a smile for me when ever I saw her.
    I will remember Loretta everytime while delivering the mail to her house.
    I will miss her.

    Alan Higgins

    I'm so sorry to hear of Loretta's passing. While at the Lewis & Clark Library System and in the SILRC group, I was so impressed with he vigor and passion for all that libraries represent. She was indeed a person whose influence will remain with all whose lives she touched.

    Judy Rake Oro Valley AZ 85755

    My Firend Russell:

    It was with profund sadness that I and all at our firm learned of Loretta's passing. She was a bright light to so many, and she touched the lives of more people than most of us. She will be remembered for her love of you and her many good works, and the kind of compassion for whaihc we all strive. May you come to rejoice in the good fortunes you had to spend your many years together. We and I are here for anything you or your family needs. With sympathy and great respect for you and Loretta, Kurt Reeg and all my colleagues at REEG LAWYERS.

    Kurtis B. Reeg St. Louis MO 63105

    Loretta was such a special person and will be greatly missed. I not only enjoyed her love for libraries, but we had a special connection talking about the St. Louis Cardinals. I think of her when I watch baseball on TV. She is a true angel and is still with us in spirit!

    Diane Steele Godfrey IL 62035

    Loretta was always a joy to be with. Happy, interested, curious about tomorrow. And a formidable library supporter. Will never forget her.

    Charm

    Charm Ruhnke Peru Illinois 61354