Loretta A. Serra, 90, of North Andover and previously of Bedford, died on August 30, 2025.

Born in Arlington, MA, Loretta was the daughter of the late Frank and Josephine (Spagnolia) Scolly and was raised in Somerville, MA. From her early days, love and dedication to family and friends were central in her life. At an early age, she developed an interest in fashion and was a self-taught, talented seamstress, making clothing for herself and beloved family members. She enjoyed music and dancing to big band music of the 40's and 50's and dreamed of dancing with famous dancers of the time.

Loretta graduated from Somerville High School, class of 1953, and worked at Somerville Lumber for several years, making good use of her strong organizational and bookkeeping talents. In the early 1960's, she moved to Medford where she met her neighbor across the street and future husband, Joseph P. Serra, Jr. They fell in love and married in April of 1964. They moved to Bedford, MA where they lived for 52 years, raised three children and were members of St. Michael's Parish.

Fittingly, Loretta and Joseph's favorite song was "On The Street Where You Live," from the musical My Fair Lady. Over the years, they continued to love musicals, concerts, and plays, especially when watching or attending with family and loved ones.

Later in life, Loretta worked at the non-commissioned officers club on Hanscom AFB, attended medical assisting school, and ended her working years at Walgreens in Lexington, MA.

In recent years, Loretta lived in Burlington and North Andover.

Loretta will be remembered as a deeply caring, generous and devoted mother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor who frequently put her own needs aside to help others. She was known for hosting family gatherings filled with traditional Italian homemade dishes, especially her sauce and pizzelle cookies. These warm gatherings nourished body and soul, bringing family together for decades and creating many cherished and loving memories.

Mrs. Serra is predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph since 2016 and her brother Frank Scolly. She is survived by several loving family members: daughter Dianne McGaunn and husband Scott of Topsfield, daughter Roberta Serra Mahunik and husband Joey Mahunik of Albuquerque, NM, son Michael Serra and wife, Sandra of Leominster, granddaughters Mahayla Serra and Halah Mahunik, grandsons Joseph and Matthew McGaunn, brother Robert Scolly and several loving nieces and a nephew.

Visitation will be at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., on Friday, September 12, from 4 – 7 pm, and a funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 13, at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA or PBS: Public Broadcasting Service, 1225 South Clark Street, Arlington, VA 22202.