STAATSBURG – Loretta Iris Gould, a Dutchess County resident since 1993 and formerly of Greene County, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Renaissance Rehabilitation & Nursing Care Center in Hyde Park. She was 72.

Daughter of the late Herbert R. and Lillian (Tilford) Hamal, she was born in Catskill on October 15, 1948. She graduated from Greenville High School in 1967 and later attended Columbia Greene Community College.

Loretta worked many jobs throughout her life, but especially loved her role as Parish Secretary for St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville, where she served for many years.

She was devoted Christian who appreciated faith-based literature and music. Her hobbies included gardening, collecting elephant keepsakes, and she had a fondness for animals as well, especially birds. Loretta also loved spending time in nature.

She'll be remembered for her humanitarian and generous spirit as she contributed to countless charities regardless of her personal finances.

She is survived by three sons: Lew Ray Gould of California, PA, Stephen L. Gould of Poughkeepsie, and Benjamin I. Gould of Ontario; two granddaughters, Judith Rice and Sabrina Gould; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Georgiana Alex; and her brother, Ted Hamal; as well as many other relatives & friends.

Loretta was predeceased by her parents as well as her former husband, Stephen Ray Gould in 1997.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Loretta's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. For online tributes, you can visit Loretta's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.