Loretto McGee Pancoast

Loretto Anne McGee Pancoast, born July 23, 1930, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, peacefully passed away surrounded by her children December 22, 2023, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was the cherished daughter of Clarence and Lillian O'Brien McGee. 

Loretto's early years were marked by her dedication to service, as she proudly served in the Junior WAAC (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps) during World War II. Following her graduation from John McDonogh Girls High School in New Orleans in 1947, she married Paul Vincent Pancoast on December 19, 1948. Loretto initially worked in accounting for Maison Blanche department stores before embracing her role as a full-time homemaker. 

Throughout her life Loretto left imprints in New Orleans, Metairie, Houston, Lafayette, ultimately settling in Baton Rouge. She became a charter member and officer of Green Acres Tennis and Aquatic Club in Metairie, reflecting her love for community and sports. Her commitment extended to various community organizations, including serving in offices for the Ladies Golf Associations of Acadian Hills Country Club in Lafayette and Shenandoah Country Club in Baton Rouge. 

Loretto was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church for over four decades, where her faith was an integral part of her life. She participated in serving her church community and regularly attended Bible study. Loretto served as a ministry member of the Long Term Care Advisory Board for the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge. She passionately supported Pro-Life efforts. 

Professionally, Loretto served as the Treasurer for her husband's engineering firm Devitt-Pancoast Controls Company of Louisiana, showcasing her acumen in financial matters. In her retirement, she volunteered for literacy programs, providing invaluable reading assistance to underperforming elementary students. 

Loretto was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Philip McGee and Lillian O'Brien McGee, her husband of nearly seventy years Paul Vincent Pancoast, her son Paul Eric Pancoast, her brother Clarence Philip McGee Jr., her sister Delores McGee Coe, and her sister-in-law Joyce Pancoast Schommer. 

She is survived by her loving family: daughter Leslie Pancoast Walton and son-in-law R. Peyton Walton, daughter Peggy Pancoast Bergeron, son Thomas Michael Pancoast and daughter-in-law Bridget Howald Pancoast, and sisters Patricia McGee Mertz and Kathleen McGee Johnson. Loretto's legacy lives on through her nine grandchildren Laura Walton Maxwell (Brandon), Paul H. Walton, Lindsay Walton Yenni (Joseph), Christine Boudreaux Williams (Jason), Aubrey Bergeron Rockett (Sky), Christopher M. Bergeron, Jared M. Bergeron, Reagan E. Pancoast, Thomas N. Pancoast, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Our family is forever grateful to her friend and caregiver Teresa Williams. 

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Paul Walton, Christopher Bergeron, Jared Bergeron, Thomas Pancoast, and her great-grandsons, Preston Williams, Dylan Rockett, Connor Rockett, and Will Maxwell. Loretto’s other great-grandchildren will complete the procession; Evalyn Maxwell, Lillian Maxwell, Anna Maxwell, Truman Maxwell, Andrew Maxwell, Thomas Yenni, Joseph Yenni, James Yenni, Chasity Bergeron, and granddaughter Reagan Pancoast.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge. On Thursday January 4, visitation will continue at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Lane, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. 

Loretto had a heart for the support of vulnerable and at-risk children. In her memory, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or WhetstoneBoysRanch.com. To our dear Mom and Grammy, we know Jesus was waiting with open arms and we look forward to the day we can rejoice with you again.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.