Loretta Spadafora Saunders' Obituary
Loretta Spadafora Saunders, 88, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022, at Brookdale Tarpon Springs, with her son Steven by her side.
Loretta was born in Philadelphia to Rose and Alexander Spadafora on August 1, 1934. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown High School. She married James Gravatt in 1957 and moved to the Poconos where they became a vital part of the growing business community. While their marriage didn’t last forever, they accomplished a great deal; they raised their 3 boys, ran a successful plumbing business and were responsible for developing Cobble Creek Estates. Loretta then became a successful realtor in the Poconos, winning many awards.
Loretta’s three sons were her pride and joy and the light of her life. She encouraged and supported them in everything they did, from Steve’s diving competitions to Randy’s motocross and Gary’s band. She even went to a Grateful Dead concert to share in her sons’ devotion to the band and Loretta loved the fact that she had the same birthday as Jerry Garcia! Loretta appreciated all kinds of music, but especially jazz and rarely missed the Delaware Water Gap Jazz Festival.
Loretta would go on to remarry, Ashley Saunders, in 1988, who sadly passed away in 1994. Even though their life together was short, it was full of love and laughter and romance, including daily love letters. Although heartbroken, Loretta carried on with grace, resilience and a zest for life that was infectious to anyone who knew her. She had many friends and was always up for an adventure. Loretta loved entertaining on her deck overlooking Camelback Mountain and was an excellent cook. She was a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and also loved painting, reading, golf, playing cards, gardening, flowers, walking in nature, and sunsets.
Loretta is survived by her sons, Steven Gravatt, Denver, CO, Randy Gravatt, Island Park, ID, Gary Gravatt, Lackawaxen, PA; grandchildren, Scott and Erin Gravatt, Denver, CO, Katie Gravatt, Asheville, NC; and her sister, Ann Marie Thomas, Washington, IA
Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, O. Ashley Saunders; brother, Carman Spadafora Sr., and her poodle of 18 years, Molly.
We would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Tarpon Springs for their outstanding care our mom received while there.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, West Yellowstone, MT, or an art school of your choice.
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