Obituary of Jeanne Latella
LATELLA (Britton), Jeanne Lynn
June 18, 1933 – May 31, 2025
Just shy of her 92nd birthday, Jeanne (Babe) passed away at home on Saturday, May 31st. Beloved wife of 68 years to Bob (deceased), she is survived by their loving children, David, Paul (Krista), Jacqueline and Paul Roy, and Matthew and Jennifer Latella. Babe, as she was affectionally known by her family, is also survived by her sisters Fran and Earl Flynn, Marie and Jim (deceased) Coombs, and Marg and Tom Prosser and was predeceased by sister Mil and Bill Winter, and brother Bill and Linda Britton. She was also a proud Grandma to nine grandchildren: Liz, Emily, Kyle, Carson, Sydney, Pierce, Willow, Grace and Claire.
Jeanne was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario on June 18, 1933, to Leonard and Jeanne Britton. The family soon settled in London and Jeanne's infectious laugh, strength, resiliency, family values, cooking skills and good-natured focus on each individual (family, friends, patients, and members of the community) were witnessed by all who knew her. Her caring way, attention to detail, optimism, pragmatic nature and self-assuredness served her well as she embarked on a long career as a Registered Nurse beginning at St. Joseph's Hospital and then launching a second phase, after her kids were raised and credentials re-established, at St. Mary's Hospital. Jeanne was also a true supportive partner in all of Bob's entrepreneurial efforts over the years and her well-known and evident artistic eye was put to good use during her years working part time at Latella's Ethan Allen Gallery to stage room settings.
Jeanne loved a good laugh, both being the instigator with her many jokes and stories as well as enjoying whenever someone made her laugh. She also enjoyed hosting family and friends at her home where, thanks to her exceptional cooking skills, no one ever left hungry or without having had a good time! Over the years, she enjoyed many activities from curling and bridge to being an avid reader, regular Grand Theatre patron and traveled with Bob to many exciting destinations. She was comforted and strengthened by her strong faith over the years and was deeply involved in her local parish communities (St. Michael's and St. Peter's), serving as a Minister of the Eucharist for many years as well as being a strong advocate for the Sisters of the Precious Blood – not to mention feeding the Priests with a much prized gift, her annual Christmas tourtiere.
She was a woman who loved unconditionally, enjoyed life, was there for you and left a positive impression and warm smile with everyone who crossed her path. She consistently maintained a reputation for kindness, pragmatism and generosity, as well as an easy-going disposition and self-deprecating wit, from childhood to her golden years. Nurturing and strong, authentic and open-minded, Jeanne served as a wonderful role-model to - and loving and steadfast supporter of - her children and grandchildren alike. Bob was the love of her life for 71 years, from when they started dating in 1952.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo St, London, ON with a Funeral Mass scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Basilica in London.
In memory of Jeanne and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation or the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Recollections of Jeanne's life can be shared at www.donohuefuneralhome.ca.
