Loretta Fuddy

Loretta Fuddy

Loretta Fuddy (April 12, 1948 – December 11, 2013) was an American public health official who served as the Director of the Hawaii Department of Health. She gained national attention due to her role in verifying the authenticity of President Barack Obama's birth certificate.

Early Life and Education

Loretta Fuddy was born on April 12, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She attended Sacred Hearts Academy and later graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a degree in sociology. Fuddy also earned a Master's degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley.

Career

Fuddy began her career in public health working for various non-profit organizations. She later joined the Hawaii Department of Health, where she held several positions before being appointed as the Director by Governor Neil Abercrombie in 2011.

Director of the Hawaii Department of Health

As the Director of the Hawaii Department of Health, Fuddy was responsible for overseeing the state's public health policies and programs. She played a crucial role in the verification of President Barack Obama's birth certificate, which was a significant event in the birther movement controversy.

Death

Loretta Fuddy died in a plane crash off the coast of Molokai, Hawaii, on December 11, 2013. She was the only fatality among the nine people on board. The cause of the crash was later attributed to engine failure.

Legacy

Fuddy is remembered for her dedication to public health and her role in one of the most high-profile verifications of a birth certificate in U.S. history. Her work continues to be recognized by public health officials and the community in Hawaii.

See Also

• Hawaii Department of Health
• Barack Obama
• Birther movement