Loretta "Laura" Latoraca

Loretta is survived by her son Gabriel V. Latoraca, her brother Stanislaus Mackiewicz (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and her sisters Christine Wahlgren (Oak Ridge, New Jersey) and Regina M. Dailey (Ann Arbor, Michigan), former spouse Francis (Frank) M. Latoraca (Hobart, New York) and her first grandchild Elijah V. Latoraca. She also leaves behind brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Loretta was born on May 10, 1960 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Victor S Mackiewicz and Genevieve (Piotrowicz) Mackiewicz. She graduated from New Jersey City University with a degree in graphic design. After a period of years of freelance graphic art work, Loretta and husband Frank successfully operated a graphic design and print setting business in Jersey City, NJ.

After moving to Franklin New York, Loretta began working for Mead Westvaco as the head of creative design. In 2006, Loretta suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall at home. This forced her professional retirement but did not prevent her from raising her son and actively participating in many school and community activities including volunteer support. Loretta was a very compassionate person who showed deep care & concern for those in need. She had a great gift and ability to heal others through her humor. She found a spiritual home in St. Mary’s parish & recently joined the choir. Loretta had a strong appreciation for nature and had a special way with animals.

Two sayings help define Loretta: “Family is everything” and “Live, Laugh and Love.”

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday June 28, 2016 at 10:15 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY.

A memorial service celebrating Loretta’s life is currently being planned for this summer on a yet to be defined day, time & specific location in New Jersey. Information will be published as soon as the details of the memorial are defined.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, 38 Walnut St., Oneonta NY 13820 or Delaware Valley Humane Society at P.O. Box 182, 101 Main St., Sidney, NY 13838.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.