Loretta A. King

Loretta A. King, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Florida, following a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of Wayne King, with whom she shared an extraordinary 65 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary in October 2025.

Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Loretta was the daughter of the late Elphege Viel and Yvonne (Babineau) Viel. A true Amesbury native, she lived her entire life in Amesbury while spending her winters in North Port, Florida. Loretta’s roots in her hometown ran deep, and her life was shaped by strong family ties, lasting friendships, and a deep sense of community.

Loretta was a proud graduate of Amesbury High School, Class of 1959, where she played the clarinet in the school band. Throughout her working life, she brought dedication, warmth, and leadership to every role she held. She worked at Bailey’s Corporation in Seabrook and later served the Amesbury school system as a gym and CYO instructor and cafeteria worker while raising her children. As her children grew older, Loretta began a long and successful career with the local cable company—through its transitions from New England Cable, Frontier Vision, Adelphia, and Comcast—starting as an Office Manager and ultimately becoming General Manager, before retiring.

Beyond her professional life, Loretta was known for the joy she found in simple pleasures and shared moments. She was an avid 45’s card player with Wayne always as her winning partner, an enthusiastic sports fan, and a devoted supporter of the New England Patriots, never missing a game! She loved working in her garden and treasured time spent with her friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.

Loretta’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne King; her daughters Laurie Messer and her husband Jim of Hampton, NH, and Amanda Gray and her husband George of Seabrook, NH; her sons Darryl King and his wife Julie of Merrimac, MA, and Darrin King and his wife Heather of Amesbury, MA; Loretta was an amazing mother and a doting grandmother of 14 grandchildren. She was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.  She was the Matriarch, role model, and the heart of her family.   

Loretta leaves behind her sister Yvette Descoteaux of Florida, many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and Gerald Viel; and sister, Imelda E. “Millie” Sylvia.

Loretta A. King will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, strength, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the friends she cherished, the community she served, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

ARRANGEMENTS:  Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Loretta on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church/St. Andre Bessette Parish in Amesbury, MA.  

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