On January 2, 2025, our longtime CIWA member Loretta I. Cleary passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was 87.

Loretta was born on December 11, 1937, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, weighing just 2 pounds 13 ounces. Despite doubts about her survival, she not only survived but also defined the phrase “small but mighty” according to her loving obituary.

Throughout her cherished lifetime, she earned a degree in Business Administration, attended St. John’s University, and later graduated from IUPUI. She spent several years working on Wall Street and eventually worked at the Indiana Gas Company until her retirement.

She married the “love of her life,” Joseph “Joe” Martin Cleary, and they celebrated fifty years together before his passing. She was a beloved wife, mom, and grandma.

“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.”

www.orileybranson.com/obituaries/loretta-cleary

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

On behalf of CIWA, we extend our deepest condolences to Loretta’s family, friends, and loved ones. May her poetic words continue to uplift and comfort them.