Mary Loretta "Baby Chase" Cruze, 73, was called home to rest July 20, 2009 at St. Mary's Nursing Center, Leonardtown, MD.

Born January 29, 1936 in D, Loretta, affectionately known as "Baby" lived a modest life. She was the daughter of the late John Henry Chase and May Louise Spears Chase. She attended St. Mary's County Public Schools.

In 1970, Loretta was united in holy matrimony to the late Andrew Cruze in St. Mary's County, MD. In her early days she was a domestic worker. Loretta had a gentle spirit and was extremely devoted to her family. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends and she opened her heart and home to many. Loretta treasured cooking and reminiscing about the good old days.

Loretta is survived by her son Francis X. Chase, Sr., daughter-in-law, Joyce M. Chase of Hollywood, MD and two grandsons; Francis X. Chase, Jr. of Hollywood, MD and Cornelius D. Chase, (Megan) of Lexington Park, MD, three great-grandchildren; Rytel, Isaiah and Makayla, sister; Alberta Woodland. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Loretta also had three people who were very close to her. She considered Judge Karen Abram, Judge James Kenney and Col. Roy Gray as family. In addition to her parents, Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Cruze, sisters; Anna May Bell, Estelle Smallwood, Dorothy Barber, Marie Wilson, Cecila Briscoe and Rosealee Chase, brothers; Richley Smallwood, Howard Smallwood, Harry Smallwood, James Chase, Irvin Chase and John Chase and her long time friend Francis Paul Miles.

Family will receive friends on Monday, July 27, 2009 from 9:00am to 11:00am in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.