Mary (Dana) Loring
October 20, 1921 – May 5, 2020
Mary (Dana) Loring was born in Columbia, South Carolina. She met her husband Dan while he was stationed in Columbia with the Army Air Force. They married November 19, 1943. Dan left five months later to fly B-25 light bombers during World War II, returning to the United States 15 months later.
They moved to Omaha, Nebraska on July 4, 1945 where they lived the rest of their lives.
She never hesitated to support the war effort as a military wife. Mary’s brothers also served during the World War II: Frank Dana was in the Army, Tucker Dana in the Navy. Her Father Francis Johnston Dana served as a soldier in the U.S. Army.
Mary was devoted to Dan for 71 years, traveling to all 50 states with Dan when he was the President of the National Association of Insurance Agents.
Church was important to Mary. As a lifelong Episcopalian, she immediately joined Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska when moving to Omaha in 1944 following the war. She was an active member of the parish for over 70 years.
On December 15, 2019 Nebraska History (formerly The Nebraska State Historical Society) gave Mary the Nebraska Heritage Hero Award as co-founder of Trinity’s Historical Society. Her efforts to create and expand the Society and associated museum spans over 25 years.
Mary was president of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority her senior year at the University of South Carolina at Columbia. She previously attended Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia.
She was a member of the Colonial Dames Society, a group that was established to commemorate the history of the thirteen American colonies and the men and women who founded them.
Mary became a member of The Junior League of Columbia, transferring to the Junior League of Omaha following her marriage. She frequently volunteered at The Jumble Shop in Benson, a store selling new and used clothing.
Other community activities were: Board of Directors, Visiting Nurses Association, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Parent Teacher Associations, Girl Scouts and more. She met President Truman’s wife Bess on several occasions. Those who knew her immediately recognized the southern accent that never left her.
Preceded in death by husband, Danforth Loring. Survived by son, Danforth D. (Alison) Loring; daughter, Trina (Loring) Sanabria; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
MEMORIAL SERVICE to be held at a later date. Memorials to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, or Masonic Eastern Star for Children, Fremont, NE.
7 Comments
Mary was a wonderful woman whom I admired immensely. I’ll miss hearing her cheery voice and delightful southern accent. Her positive, caring attitude drew many to her.
Loved and admired Mary Loring. Loved looking out from choir to see her sitting with Trina. My son enjoyed greetings her. My mom loved her as a close friend ever scince she moved to Omaha. Talented, bright, caring, hardworking sweet lady. She will be missed! Heaven is blessed to receive her ❤️
Fr Bob Scott
Our hearts broke when we saw this in the paper as she was a wonderful caring person and we so enjoyed meeting her and living close by for awhile. She was a lady and walked proudly and enjoyed life to the fullest.
We send our deepest sympathy and our loving thoughts to all of you and hopefully we can attend the memorial..
May she rest in peace and be with Dan again as she did miss him. God Bless and stay well
I Miss Her so much
My condolences to Dan and the rest of the Loring family as they mourn the loss of Mary. May she rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her, now and forever
I was fortunate to have dinner with Mary many times with my mother, Martha. She and Mary became fast friends. They love their home state of South Carolina and recalled many happy times. Her wonderful attitude, sense of humor, and southern charm will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. Lindsey and Martha
Mary was my Bluebird and Campfire Girls leader in elementary school. I cherish many fond memories of her caring for each of us, singing songs while she played the pump organ at her home, her wonderful accent and having meetings on her screen porch or in the barn. She was an original “social influencer!”
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