2006 alum is remembered

By Danielle Larson
Co-Editor in Chief

Friday, Feb. 13, became a day of sadness for students, faculty and staff as they learned about a fatal plane crash in Buffalo, New York, that took one of Saint Mary’s University’s own, Madeline “Maddy” Loftus (’06 graduate).

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Press releases and news stories were quick to inform about the Continental Connection Flight 3407 plane that crashed due to bad weather, and about the 49 people who left behind families, friends and co-workers because of the crash.

As news stories went out about the victims, they reported on families, had quotes from friends and told of victims’ passions and accomplishments in life.

As a marketing major, Loftus took many classes with Dr. Thomas Marpe, dean of the SMU School of Business. Marpe recalled a project Loftus did with fellow classmates Jessica Ribbish and Patrick Good. The project was entitled “The Feasibility on an Entertainment Complex in Winona.” Marpe said the group thought the complex should contain “mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag, arcade games and more.” He believes the project represented Loftus’ interest in sports.

Loftus’ love for hockey was reported several times. At SMU, Loftus played a total of 52 games, scored 10 goals and had 11 assists. She scored a total of 21 points for SMU.

“Maddy was the first senior to graduate from my program,” said Terry Mannor, SMU women’s hockey coach in a SMU press release. “She will always hold a special place in my heart.” Loftus played at SMU for two years after playing for Buffalo State University.

Senior Jill Rhody played hockey with Loftus her first year here. She recalled that they both had the same playing style: rough. “We played just like each other,” she said. “She called me her ‘mini-me.’”

A commonality between reported stories was that Loftus had unconditional love for her friends.

Senior Doug Placko said, “I have never met someone who was as passionate about her friends and the game of hockey as Maddy. She was such an unselfish person who cared about the well-being of others more than her own interests.”

A few days after the crash, a Facebook page dedicated to Loftus was created. Currently, approximately 950 people have joined the page. In the page description it states: “Maddy will always be remembered for her love of life, wonderful personality, New Jersey attitude and her amazing smile. She will be forever missed and will always remain in our hearts.”

A memorial service for Loftus will be held in the SMU Gym on March 14.