Loretta Calano Dienst, 91, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024.
“Lo” as she was known to family and friends, was born to Vivian and Charles Moir on September 25, 1932. Raised in East Hartford, she lived in her hometown until 2007. She moved to Katy, TX to be closer to her children but remained a dedicated UConn Husky and Boston Red Sox fan.
Lo spent her entire professional career in the home furnishings industry, first as a co-owner of Calano Furniture for 22 years, and then as a showroom designer and buyer for the next 32 years. She merchandised the leading furniture stores in New England while serving as their spokesperson.
Lo worked tirelessly for her favorite non-profit organizations. Past President and 66-year proud member of the Federated Woman’s Club of East Hartford, she was instrumental in establishing their Endowment Scholarship Program. She served in leadership positions on many boards, including the Chamber of Commerce, MADD, ASID, and the First Congregational Church. A lifelong Rotarian, Lo received both the Paul Harris Award for community service and Rotarian of the Year from Rotary Club of Katy. Other honors include the YMCA James MacDonald Volunteer Leadership Award, Volunteer of the Year from the E.H. Chamber, and Top Humanitarian from the E.H. Town Council. In her spare time, she knitted new-born outfits for low-income families. Lo was committed to “giving back and doing good.”
Loretta is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Lt. Col. Daniel W. Dienst (Ret.). Family members she leaves behind include sister Sandra D’Attilio and brothers Kirk, Richard, and Francis Moir; Robin Brodie and husband Steve of Houston, and James Calano of Boulder, CO – her two children with her first husband, Gordon Calano (deceased); grandchildren James Brodie, Thomas Brodie, Brandon Calano, and Carsen Calano; stepchildren Deborah Tissue, Daniel Dienst, Jr., and Donald Dienst; step grandchildren Casey, Will, and Kyle Tissue, along with Austin, Samantha, Corbin, Nickolas, and Piper Dienst.
Loretta was preceded in death by her sister, Christine Phillips, and her two youngest brothers, Lynn and Verne Moir.
A lifelong friend once described Lo as “Brave, feisty, and ready to take on the world.” The world was a better place with her in it. She will be missed.
She was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I knew her and Dan through church and she was instrumental in our still-running church fair every November. Right before they moved to Texas, I was a freshman in college and looking for summer work, so Loretta hired me to help out around their house to get it ready to put on the market. While doing that, I became very ill and was hospitalized for a week. Once I was back home, she insisted on paying me for the time I “would have” worked if I didn’t get sick. I tried to refuse it, but she wouldn’t hear it and told me that the entire time I was in the hospital, she was focused on praying for me and helping out my parents however she could. She put aside her prepping for a cross-country move for a week for me and even though it’s small in the grand scheme, I will never forget that about her. Loretta will be greatly missed.
I met Mrs. Loretta through Homewatch Caregivers of Katy, Texas. She was my first client and we bounded from the very first day she interviewed me. In fact, she tried to get me to start that same day. I was her caregiver for about two years and circumstances caused me to leave her and Mr. Dan. I missed them so much but always thought about them and kept them in my prayers.
We became friends not just with her but Mr. Dan also. We would go to breakfast at their favorite restaurant in downtown Katy, Snappy’s. I would go to her rotary club meetings and brunches and of course shopping at her favorite store Steinmart.
Mrs. Lo made me feel so welcome in her beautiful home and said I was family now.
Whenever she got sick and had to go to the hospital or rehab, I was there encouraging her to get better!!! We laughed and had good quality time together!!!
Thanks to Mrs.Lo and Mr. Dan they made my job as a caregiver more than just a caregiver, but I inherited a family instead!!! Thank you for preparing me for other clients. I will always remember your ever-loving kindness toward me!
I am sure you are resting now with the angels!!!! I Loved You, but God Loved You Best!!!!