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, CT, she lived in her hometown until 2007. She moved to Katy, TX to be closer to her children but remained a dedicated UConn Huskie 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 merchandized 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 newborn 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.