Mrs. Loretta Jean Huggins

Loretta Jean Huggins, age 82, of Steubenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Born on April 5, 1943, in Steubenville, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Sophie (Mankowski) Baranowski.

From a young age, Loretta dedicated herself to service and community. As a high school student, she volunteered as a candy striper at Gill Memorial Hospital, offering her time and compassion to others. After graduating from Steubenville Business College, she began a career that combined her love for helping people and her vibrant spirit. Loretta worked as a travel agent with AAA, sharing her passion for adventure and exploration with countless families. Later, she thrived in retail, first in the Jewelry Department and eventually as the Customer Service Supervisor at Hills.

On September 27, 1991, after seven years of love and companionship, Loretta married James “Jim” Huggins.

Loretta’s love for life was evident in everything she did. She found joy in traveling, visiting beaches, dancing to her favorite music, and, of course, shopping. Loretta was deeply involved in her children’s activities. She was active in the boosters for her sons’ football teams, supported the Cub Scouts, and proudly served as the president of the Wintersville Band Boosters. She was also a member of Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers. Loretta treasured her friendships, especially the cherished times spent with her beloved sorority sisters of Beta Sigma Phi.

Loretta’s life was marked by resilience and love, even in the face of profound loss. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Bradley Paulman; her daughter-in-law, Lorra Cochrun; her step-son, James Huggins, Jr.; and her twin great-grandchildren, Alessi and Bristol Cochrun.

She will be remembered with love by her loving husband, Jim Huggins; her sons, Robert Cochrun and Richard Cochrun; her daughter, Sheila (Jeff) Wajda; and her stepdaughters, Susan Huggins and Sandra (Chris) Collins. She also leaves her ten grandchildren, A.J. (Christina ) Cochrun, Anastasia Haysler, Austin Cochrun, Taylor (Corey) Bambeck, Zachary Wajda, Nathan (Monica), John, Bryan, Bo Paulman, and Justin Collins; and two great grandchildren, Callie Cochrun and Vince Bambeck.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 AM until 11:30 AM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 noon on Wednesday at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Weirton.
Burial will follow at Saint Paul’s Cemetery

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