Glenda C. Loomis, 57
SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Glenda C. Loomis, 57, of South Main Street, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, after a sudden and massive hemorrhagic stroke. She was surrounded by friends and family.
Born in Boise, Idaho, on Aug. 9, 1951, daughter of Glenn and Doris Loomis of Donnelly, Idaho, she attended McCall Donnelly School and graduated from Nampa (Idaho) Christian High School. She also attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., and completed her bachelor's degree in secondary English from Boise State University and her master's degree and doctorate in psychology from Western Baptist Theological Seminary in Portland, Ore. She moved to Western Massachusetts in 2003.
Ms. Loomis practiced in Boise for 19 years, first working with victims of domestic violence and eventually opening an office for private practice. She helped hundreds of men and women cope with life's challenges and received multiple awards for her work with women's shelters. She frequently spoke publicly on the topics she was passionate about, including her walk with God, her work with abused women, and other psychological issues. She also volunteered with the Red Cross, which took her to New York City twice after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and on other disasters in the New England area.
After moving to the Berkshires, she partnered with Molly Curletti to open Oak Lodge in Sheffield, a life-care home and haven for disabled adults. She also spent hours caring for her grandchildren whom she adored.
Ms. Loomis profoundly touched the lives of many people in her all-too-brief time on this Earth. She was brilliant in her insight and counsel to others, say her family, and was known for her great compassion to others. She will be greatly missed by many.
Besides her parents and Curletti, her loving companion and partner, she leaves Curletti's three sons, Will Curletti and his wife, Robin, of Great Barrington and their children Landon and Alesia, John "Jack" Curletti and his wife, Michelle, of West Stockbridge and their children Hunter and Sophia, and Henry Curletti and his wife, Julia; her sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and John Beery of Garden City, Idaho, and their children Hannah and Nate, along with aunts, uncles and cousins.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Services will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. at Christ's Church Episcopal in Sheffield by the Rev. Anne Ryder. Memorial donations can be made to Construct Inc. or a charity of the donor's choice through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.