D. Joanne Seitz-Lofthouse-Olmstead, 86, of Milford, passed away on July 14, 2021 in Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, of vascular complications.
Joanne was born in her grandparent’s home, on January 17, 1935, in Turtle Creek, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Genevieve (McLean) Seitz.
Joanne’s family move from Turtle Creek, PA to Milford, CT in 1947, when she was just 12 years old.
She attended Calf Pen Meadow Elementary School and then graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1952. A proud member of her sorority - Sigma Alpha Pi, she always talked about the school’s sorority and fraternity parties. She saved just about every sporting event ticket and all her dance cards. One of her fondest memories at Milford High, was being crowned queen of the 1951 Junior prom at 16 years old. In 2017, a mere 66 years later, her granddaughter Quinn Lofthouse was also crowned queen of her junior prom, which Joanne was very proud of.
Her first job was selling candy at the former Capitol Theater movie concession. This fueled her love for old movies, which has transcended to her children. Gone With the Wind, and Withering Heights, these were just 2 of her all-time-favorites.
On September 8, 1956 Joanne Married Stanly Leonard Lofthouse, a native of Devon. Together they had two children, their daughter Leslie Ann Lofthouse was born January 20, 1959 and their son Mark Stanley Lofthouse arrived on May 25, 1961. She was widowed in 1979.
In the early 70’s she was the switchboard operator for Milford Hospital, sales gal at Pace Setter East dress shop on Daniel St., and then she worked for over 20 years and retired from the City of Milford, as an administrator in the Building Inspection Dept. This is where she met her 2nd husband, David Olmstead, they were married for 21 years, after Dave’s passing in 2001.
In 2006 she met Wayne Lorincz and they were together until her passing.
Joanne was a Brownie leader, a Cub Scout den mother, PTA Chairperson at Fort Trumbull Elementary School, and an active member of the Milford Elks Lodge especially during her husband Dave’s tenure as Exalted Ruler.
When Dave became ill, she took up decorative painting of bird houses, her “therapy”. Having always been artistic, she had a of collection her “own” fashion sketches, paintings, embroidery, homemade birthday cakes were always elaborate, and even snow sculping “was a thing” when she was in her early 30’s. She enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, making Xmas cookies, dancing (when she could), going to the casino, traveling (Myrtle Beach, SC & Ogunquit, ME) especially. She enjoyed talking to people of all walks of life.
Quotes:
“I have seen of the world a lot of beauty and good people”.
“I will always be glad that I was born surrounded by loving family members and I had loving, and caring husbands and children.”
“My best years have been that I have enjoyed my life – no regrets and I feel that I have been Blessed”.
“I’m glad I didn’t know”.
Joanne is survived by her loving companion, Wayne Lorincz; her 2 children, Leslie Lofthouse and Mark Lofthouse; 3 grandchildren, Montana, Christian, and Quinn Lofthouse; her brother, Richard (Barbara) Seitz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Tammy Pendergast, and Pamela Rask, of whom she was especially close. Joanne was predeceased by her first husband, Stanley Lofthouse, and her second husband, P. David Olmstead.
Friends and family may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 9:30 am at First United Church of Christ, 34 West Main St., Milford, CT 06460 (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at King’s Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT 06460.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).
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