Loretta Virgie Savoie Vial

Loretta Virgie Savoie Vial passed away on February 20, 2025, at the age of 101 + 363 days. Loretta was the beloved daughter of the late Corbett Savoie and Sedonia Dufrene Savoie. 

Loretta married the love of her life, Harry J. Vial, Sr., on July 31, 1948. Through Harry’s work, they lived in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi and came back to Louisiana, where they settled in Hammond, becoming lifelong residents. They enjoyed sixty-two wonderful years together. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband Harry, her mother, father, three brothers, and one sister. 

Loretta was a caring and wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her four children, Harry Vial (Beth), David Vial (Debbie), Fay White (Bob), and Donald Vial (Gwen), as well as her grandchildren, Tyffanie, Ryan (Heather), Wyatt (Beth), Tyler (Mary-Catherine), Jacque (Stephanie), David (Donna), Jenna, Colin (Shonti), Chad, Ashley (Timmy), Brian (Christie), Ben (Amber), Claire (Matt), and her great-grandchildren, Lana, Cameron, Taylor, Evelyn, Miley, Gavin, Gracie, Sophia, Noelle, Charlotte, Harrison, Aubrey, Allie, Jacie, Braden, Julia, Halston, Timothy, Leah, Hannah, Clay, Emilie, Elena, James, Marley, and Margot and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride of her life.

Loretta graduated from Hahnville High School in 1940. Soon after graduating she began working at the Port of Embarkation (processing soldiers going off to war) at the New Orleans port. Later she served as “Rosie the Riveter” for about a year in an aircraft facility in the New Orleans area. Next she taught school for several years in Bayou Gauche, Louisiana, educating students in a two-room school house. 

Loretta was a loving homemaker and along with her husband raised her four children instilling in them all of her virtues. Being an exceptional cook was a gift Loretta possessed and she enjoyed preparing Cajun gumbo, fish, rice dressing and specialty drinks and desserts. She cherished getting together for many, many family functions over the years including Christmas, Thanksgiving and many other holiday gatherings at Loretta and Harry’s house which were very special times that everyone looked forward to. The number of sporting and other events Loretta attended throughout her long life are impossible to count as she always supported her children, grand children and great- grandchildren. Loretta also, along with Harry, enjoyed getting together for numerous functions with friends. She and Harry enjoyed traveling throughout many parts of the United States and Canada. Loretta was an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church since 1956, and she held a strong belief in her Catholic faith. She attended daily 7:00 am mass for many years. She was actively involved in Rosary Altar Society, counted collection money for twenty-five years, and participated in many other church activities.

For twenty-five years, Loretta, along with her husband, worked at the food pantry, wanting to just help the community and then received a plaque for their many years of dedication to helping others. Loretta never met a stranger. Loretta was a people magnet and loved getting together with friends and family. She also always enjoyed getting together with the extended family in St. Charles Parish, her parish of birth. She helped form the “Birthday Club” with friends to celebrate birthdays once a month at local restaurants. Loretta played Pokeno and loved going to Mardi Gras in Des Allemands and New Orleans. She especially enjoyed hosting Mardi Gras parties at her house dressed in her Mardi Gras attire. Later in life Loretta joined an exercise group at the Hammond Recreation Center three days a week with wonderful friends. Many of her friends attest they were there because Loretta talked them into joining. Celebrating her birthday (usually birthday month) with family and friends was always a special fun-filled event or events (in many cases). Her sunny disposition and positive attitude were an inspiration to all.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Loretta’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana.

Visitation is from 9-11:00 with a funeral mass at 11:00 AM.

 Interment will follow at Rose Memorial Park Mausoleum.