Loretta Mary Livernois Novack of Dearborn Heights, born May 6, 1923 at the 80-acre family farmhouse in Carlton, Michigan has been serving her guests at the same location, 23920 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI over half her life. Her maiden name, Livernois, is her great-grandfather's namesake to her. Many will recognize Livernois as the street that runs from south west Detroit to northern Oakland Co.

Always adventurous, at nineteen Loretta boarded the South Pacific Railway line to California. She has made it out West numerous times. In fact, she has many autographed pictures from actors and actresses. A favorite is a picture of James Cagney and herself sitting on a bale of hay, taken during the 40's while filming "Blood on the Sun".

She often wondered where life would lead her when she became unemployed from Detroit Edison after her marriage. In those days, the company believed in having only single women employees. You've come a long way baby!

Loretta was unable to pursue a nursing career, but found an opportunity to serve people when she began working for Steve and Helen Chismar at what was then Chismar's. Four years later in 1958, Rudolf and Elsa Hoppe bought and renamed the place Hoppe's German Restaurant. Fourteen years later, Roland and Anita Richter acquired the restaurant renaming it Richter's German Chalet. The couple persuaded Loretta to manage their resturant, which she did lovingly and successfully for 30 years. In 2003, they went into semi-retirement, and son Roland Jr. and wife Marianne took over the business still serving German-American cuisine. Loretta continued waitressing until sadly her health dictated a reduction of participation. All at the aforementioned address for 57 years.

In 1996, Loretta was honored by the Michigan Restaurant Association for her longevity as a waitress. Her steady work ethic and dedication earned her the Michigan State award for the individual with the most uninterruped service at one location. She has been the subject of many news articles and just recently was interviewd for a documentary film chronicling Michigan Avenue Businesses.

In addition to Loretta's waitressing career, she has acquired many years of service to and involvement with St. John the Baptist parish and Alter Society. She has spent over thirteen years promotion and distributing Father Ed's "prayer rocks". These "prayer rocks" are all over the world. At present they number over 5,200 in Iraq alone. She gives these rocks to anyone who feels the need for the message of hope and safety. She has been lovingly referred to as the "Rock Lady".

Preceded in death by husband Ray, Loretta often spoke with love and pride of sons, Raymond and Clifford .Her grandson, Technical Staff Sergeant Michael Novack of the Air Force, has been serving our country over 13 years. He is married to Bobbylyn and have been blessed with Loretta's great grandchildren Lance and Ayessa.

Loretta earnestly thanks all her guests, all those who have become family and friends for enriching her life as she hopes she has done for them. She wants all to remember her as she interacted with them over the years.

She will be instate Monday, 9am followed by the 10am Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26123 McDonald in Dearborn.

In lieu of flowers, she requests donations to be sent to St. John the Baptist Church or, as a cancer survivor, to the American Cancer Society.