Loretta Kay (Flake) Kanavel passed away peacefully on March 4, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Loretta was born to Rolf and Jean Flake in Mesa, Arizona on June 4, 1956. She lived in Arizona nearly all of her 62 years, and spent most of her formative years in Gilbert. On April 25, 1992 she married the love of her life, Patrick Kanavel, and they made their home in Mesa. Loretta was full of life and had an infectious laugh and a ready smile for friends and acquaintances old and new.
Loretta spent several years working at Gordon Darby as office manager. More recently, she worked for more than 5 years as teacher’s aide at Crismon Elementary. She loved her work at the school and the dear friends she made while there, and considered her greatest life’s work to be her family.
Loretta is survived by her husband, Patrick, and son, Jonah, and stepdaughters Jamie Kanavel and Carrie Kanavel-Hyde, and three grandchildren. She is also survived by parents, Rolf and Jean Flake, of Gilbert and siblings LaDawn Halbison, Kent (Lori) Flake, Reed (Amy) Flake, Kirk (Lori) Flake, and Kristen (Carl) Bloomfield. She is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, David Halbison.
Memorial services are Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 220 E. Cullumber Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234. The memorial service will be preceded by a visitation from 10:00 -10:50 a.m. Flowers may be sent to the church building at 220 E. Cullumber Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234 for arrival between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, or a donation to Hospice of the Valley is suggested in lieu of flowers.
This is so very sad. I never saw her after high school but she was beautiful, had a beautiful smile and yes, a great laugh. Prayers of comfort for the family at this time. 💕
She was so fun during high school, always quick to share her great smile. Prayers to all the Flake family.
Fun followed Loretta around like a happy puppy wagging its tail. Her enthusiastic smile brightened the world around her and she willingly shared that brightness with everyone around. I can’t think about Loretta without remembering her smile and her laughter. May Heavenly Father bless her family and loved ones with the comfort of many good, happy memories.
My sincere condolences for your great loss. It is never easy when we lose someone we love but it is especially painful when we lose our mother. Mother’s are so special in so many ways. Please take good care of your father. May your treasured memories bring your family joy and comfort in the months and years to come. And may our Creator’s promise as found at Revelation 21:3,4 bring your family hope.
Sincerely,
Norma Peralta
I worked with Loretta at Crismon Elementary in the Reading Lab. She was dedicated to helping children improve their reading skills and she was very effective in implementing two reading programs. I enjoyed lunches with Loretta during school breaks and will miss our visits, her humor and smile. Love you my dear friend.
I have lost a true friend, but am so grateful for the years of friendship we shared. Loretta and I worked together in the Reading Lab at Crismon. She was admired by staff and loved by children…who still ask when Mrs. K is coming back. Loretta left her legacy in the many lives she touched. I will miss her terribly, but am grateful for the fun we shared…and the memories that are imprinted on my heart.
My sincere condolences to your family and friends, and continued prayers. May she rest in peace now.
My heart is truly broken for the loss of my friend Loretta. She was an amazing friend and I will miss her so very much. Loretta had a huge heart and always thought of others. My sincerest condolences to the Kanavel and Flake families.
I have done Loretta’s hair for the past 10 years. I am very sad to hear this. I talked to her back in the fall and she was so happy and optimistic. My thoughts and prayers to her family.