Loretta Ann Corso

Loretta Corso, age 82 of Albia, passed away Monday, August 4, 2014, under the care of Monroe County Hospice at Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albia. Loretta Ann Beary was born December 12, 1931 in her home in the country outside the town of Weller, Iowa to Walter and Mary (Hackathorn) Beary. She married Ernest Anthony Corso on June 23, 1953 at St. Mary's Church in Weller, Iowa. Loretta was a graduate of Lovilla High School with the class of 1949. She then attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Ottumwa and graduated in 1952 with a Nursing Degree. While Ernest served in Korea, Loretta lived at her parent's home with their first child. After a few years in Iowa City, Ernest and Loretta settled back in Albia. They bought the Hocking one room school house and raised 7 children. She was one of the first surgery nurses at the new Monroe County Hospital. She finally ended her nursing career as the Monroe County Public Health Nurse. She served on the Monroe County Board of Health for many years. She was also an active member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. She served many years on the Election Day Dinner Committee, Alter and Rosary Society, Lenten Luncheons, and Friday donuts. She said many Rosaries for her children and every day for Ernie while he was in the Army. She would also write a letter to Ernie every day while he served his country. She enjoyed her flowers and was a member of the Master Gardeners. She and Ernest maintained the flowers at Carr Park for many years. Loretta enjoyed square dancing and she loved to sew. She made many stuffed animals and dolls for her grandkids. She also sewed several clothes for her family, including wedding dresses for her daughters. Loretta was a great cook and made the best chocolate chip cookies in the county. She learned to play the piano at a young age. Her family will always remember the many hours she sang and played for them. Loretta is survived by her husband Ernest; 7 children, Leo (Leslie) Corso, Mark (Teresa) Corso, Joe (Denise) Corso, Matthew (Margaret) Corso, Ann (Rob) Mindock, Angela (Leroy) Volkman, and Luke (Hope) Corso; 16 grandchildren, Rick Shaw, Amie (Kris) Reed, Nathaniel Corso, Megann (Edmund) Blankson, Aaron, Justin, Alicia, Nicholas (Sindy), Jared and Dominic Corso, Rachael and Maria Volkman, Sam, Joel, Sean, and Jill Corso; 1 great grandchild, Xavier Blankson; 2 brothers, Larry (Joan) Beary and Walter (Georgina) Beary; 2 sisters, Joyce (Alex) Koffman and Helen Williams; 2 Sister-in-laws, Phyllis (Tony) Lisac and Betty Beary; a brother-in-law Bob (Bev) Clamon, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Beary; In-Laws John and Mary Corso; a brother, Jerome Beary; a sister, Pauline Clamon; brother-in laws, James and John Corso, and Pete Williams. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 9th, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia; with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m., Friday, August 8th, 2014, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Loretta's family present from 3 to 8 p.m. A rosary will be led by St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society at 4:00 p.m., with a Christian Wake Service beginning at 6 p.m.

Loretta Ann Corso

December 12, 1931 - August 4, 2014