Loretta (Dean) Hutchins, of Melrose, passed away on February 13, 2015 at the age of 92.Loretta was a lifelong resident of Melrose. She was born to John and Nora Dean on October 12, 1922. Loretta grew up during the Great Depression, so from a young age she knew what it meant to work hard. She was the beloved wife of the late Willis James Hutchins. They honeymooned together at Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, a mountain they later climbed with their dog. Traveling to the mountains of New England was one of her favorite things to do. Great memories were made on camping trips to the mountains as well as spending time in Ossipee and Pleasant Lake in New Hampshire. Loretta was a very generous person who was feisty and full of life. Her true passion was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren, she was very proud of them all. Her entire family can attest to her skills in cooking, baking, and sewing. One of her best desserts was her apple pie. Outside of the home Loretta worked for the Melrose Answering Service as well as a Nurses Aid at the Normandy House in Melrose. She'll be remembered by many from her frequent trips to downtown Melrose to run her errands and check up on all of her friends. Loretta was also a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church for over fifty years. Most of all she'll be remembered as someone who was always there to help others. She lived across the street from her daughters' family for 30 years where she was always able to lend a helping hand and where she came to be known as "The Ma". Loretta was the loving mother of Willis James Hutchins, John "Jack" Hutchins, Richard Hutchins and Loretta (Hutchins) Giddings. Beloved grandmother to James, Melissa, Christopher, Kimberly, Donald, Kathleen, and Shaun. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, MA from 4-7PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Gately Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 10:30 AM followed by a Committal Service at Mt. Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited.