Loretta A. Markham – 67 – of 83 Platt St., Hornell, died unexpectedly on Friday (February 26, 2016) at her home.

Born in Hornell on March 26, 1948, she was the daughter of Francis & Dorothy (Roe) Markham.

Loretta grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School. Having battled Cerebral Palsy throughout her lifetime, she overcame many obstacles to lead a rich and rewarding life.

Every year, Loretta raised thousands of dollars for charity by putting on small bazaars and donating all profits to various charities. Some of these charities include Muscular Dystrophy, Special Olympics, ARC of Steuben, The Miracle Network, St. Ann’s Church, Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and any person or persons who were suffering with disease and/or disabilities.

Loretta enjoyed going to the casinos and also placing a bet or two on the computer. She was an avid Buffalo Bills Football fan and enjoyed rooting for the New York Mets.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Ray.

Surviving are her sister, Mary Lou (Jack Generalli) Markham with whom she resided; 5 nieces & nephews, Robert (Terri) Ray, Joseph (Coleen) Ray, John (Marie) Ray, Lisa Stubbs and Lynn (Tony) Jones; along with many cousins.

The family of Loretta A. Markham will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

A special “Thank-You” to all of the wonderful people at ARC of Steuben who helped with Loretta’s care throughout the years. They are certainly a great group of friends!

Loretta’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to either ARC of Steuben, 1 ARC Way, Bath, NY 14810 or to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.