Loretta I. Cleary

On January 2, 2025, Loretta Irene Cleary, 87, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully with family members around her. Loretta was born December 11, 1937, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York to Patrick and Mary Seery (Concannon) weighing a mere 2 pounds, 13 ounces. Despite doubts Loretta would survive, survive she did - defining the phrase small but mighty.

Loretta grew up in Greenpoint, graduating from Bishop McDonnell High School. She worked on Wall Street for 7 years before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Joseph “Joe” Martin Cleary. Loretta and Joe married on November 3, 1962, St. Cecilia Church in Greenpoint.

Loretta attended St. John’s University and ultimately graduated from Indiana University/ Purdue University at Indianapolis with a degree in Business Administration. Loretta later worked at the Indiana Gas Company and retired from there in 1997.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Joseph Martin Cleary, her daughter, Anne Elizabeth, and her infant daughter Rene Nicole.

Loretta is survived by her son, Joseph Martin and daughter-in-law, Kathleen. She was also a proud grandmother to Allison Grace (Logan Ishimine) and Daniel Patrick Cleary.

Loretta was a proud dual citizen of the United States and Ireland. She was a published poetess. Her sparkling sense of humor and an attitude that was larger than her small stature will be missed greatly.

A private, graveside service is planned for January 13, 2025.

The family wishes to warmly thank all the staff of Five Star Residences of Banta Point for their outstanding care and attention to Loretta this past 8 years. Loretta always spoke highly of everyone she encountered at her apartment. The family also wishes to thank the nursing staff, physicians’ assistants, and other staff for their expert and loving care while Loretta was in St. Francis Hospital.

To honor Loretta's love for reading, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite Indianapolis Public Library or www.indyreads.org 

Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to leave a memory of Loretta or to sign the online register book.