Loretta Brewster's Obituary
Loretta Brewster (Potochan), age 86, of Troy, Michigan, passed away on January 7, 2026. She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Rose Potochan, and later moved with her family to Melvindale, Michigan, where she grew up with her sister Elaine and her beloved twin brother, Larry.
Loretta was first married to John Chapo, and together they raised their three daughters in Allen Park: Lori Kroger (John), Gwen Kelley (William “Bill”), and Ava Scully (Mike). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Joe (Sydnie), Karla (Kyle), Sara (Sean), Rachel (John), Sean (Ivey), Lauren (Kyle), and Kyle, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jayden, Michayla, Landen, Porter, Marcella, Luther, and Charlotte, as well as a great-great-grandmother to Lorelai.
She later married Gary Brewster and lovingly expanded her family to include his children, Mark (Karen, deceased, and Lynda) and Amiee (Perry), and grandchildren, Keegan (Kelly) and Rayna.
Loretta is survived by her sister, Elaine, as well as her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Rose Potochan, her twin brother, Larry Potochan, and her husband, Gary Brewster.
Family was the center of Loretta’s life. She was strong, positive, friendly, and stubborn in the best way. Her faith was deeply important to her, and her greatest wish was that her children and family would believe in Jesus so they could all be together again in heaven. She was a faithful church member and lived her beliefs through kindness, encouragement, and steadfast love.
Loretta loved simple joys such as coloring, metal detecting, gardening, nature, animals, and especially spending time with her family. She remained closely connected to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren by communicating with them frequently, a reflection of how deeply she valued each relationship.
Even through hardships and illness, including her cancer journey, Loretta remained positive, unafraid, and full of grace. Her strength, dignity, and steady faith left a lasting example for all who knew her.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held on February 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071.
Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens, 17840 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152.
Memorial contributions in Loretta’s honor may be made to Angela Hospice Home Care, Inc., 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154, in gratitude for their compassionate care.
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