Obituary of Loretta Jane Cates

In Loving Memory of Loretta Jane Carr Cates

Loretta Jane Carr Cates, of Stetson, passed away peacefully at her home on December 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on October 14, 1935, in Pea Cove, the daughter of Arlene (Kennedy) and Roland Carr.

Loretta graduated from Old Town High School in 1954 and later worked for more than 20 years at the University of Maine. Nothing in her life mattered more to her than her family. Time spent together, shared laughter, and simple moments of togetherness were what she cherished most. Loretta was known for her kindness, gentle heart, and quiet strength. In her younger years she drag raced cars in Pea Cove & at the Winterport Dragway, during a time when few women dared. She won many races and earned a collection of trophies,  though she remained humble and rarely spoke of her adventures. Those who knew her best admired not only her courage, but her grace.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Rhonda (Smart) Winch and her husband Mike of Alton, and Lisa Smart of Bangor; her stepson, Scott Cates and his wife Laurie of Old Town; and their children, Nathan and Kristen Cates. She leaves behind her beloved granddaughter, Rachel Smart of Stetson, and her children, Kylie Smart and Gunnison; Randall, her great-grandson, Kolton Randall, son of her cherished granddaughter, Ashley  Vinson Knight; her beloved granddaughter, Brittney Vinson of Alton, and her daughter, Evianna Vinson. She is also survived by her nephew, David Pelletier and his wife Denise of North Carolina; her niece, Roxanne Sorenson and her husband Terry of Minnesota; her great-nephew, Jeremy Sorenson of North Dakota; and her great-niece, Amanda Engler-Rupe of Nebraska. Loretta was predeceased by her cherished granddaughter, Ashley Vinson Knight of Old Town; her stepson, Brent Cates of Glenburn; her sisters, Gloria Jessen and Alice Engler; her nephew, Steven Pelletier; her lifelong friend and former husband, Michael Cates; and her infant sons, Terry Christopher Smart and Sidney A. Smart Jr., whom she longed to hold again. Loretta’s life was marked by love, quiet bravery, and deep devotion  to her family. Her kindness will continue to live on through all those who were blessed to know her.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town.

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
— Revelation 21:4