Carol A. Loftus Canavan, 88, of Scranton, died Sunday night at Regional Hospital of Scranton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, James C. Canavan, in 2006.
Born in Scranton on October 9, 1937, daughter of the late Martin and Lucille Boston Loftus, she was a graduate of Holy Rosary High School Class of 1954, and a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church in Scranton. Prior to her retirement, she was employed at ARA Food Services and Marywood University.
Carol had a wonderful social life, traveling with Jimmy, her brother-in-law Gene, his wife Mary Dorothy, and her dear friends Ann and Harry Kirby. She and her Saturday night crowd became the “Board of Directors” at Stirna’s, always sitting at the back table so they could see everyone who came in. Sadly, the group dwindled, but a few still go somewhere different every Saturday. If it weren’t for our best family friend, Mary Beth Dean, she would not have been able to go as long as she did. She and her friends also went to lunch once a month, and she rarely missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Beth Purcell Jenkins, and husband David; her treasured grandchildren who lovingly called her “Amma,” Matthew (Nicole), Bridget (Tyler), and Katie (Brandon); great-grandchildren Nathan, Ryan, Parker, and Brayden who loved their Great-Amma; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Patrick Purcell, in 1997, and grandson Patrick “Toach” Purcell, in 2021.
The funeral will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish at Holy Rosary Church 318 William St., North Scranton.
Family and friends may pay their respects that morning at the church from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Private interment will be held in Cathedral Cemetery.