Obituary of Maria Teresia Lattanzi

Maria T. Lattanzi, also affectionately known as Mom, Gram, Ree-Ree, Mamaria or Ree, died December 31st, 2021. She was 64-too damn young. Maria is survived by many loved ones, namely her children; Allison Young, Casey Lattanzi and Jacob Lattanzi; her siblings Tina Lint, Debbie Emter and Scott Emter; and her grandchildren Austin Lattanzi, Nolan Young and Blake Lattanzi. She was preceded in death by her mother Rita Emter and her father Arnold Emter. Maria spent her life caring for others. She taught and nurtured hundreds of students during her 27 years at the Camas-Washougal Co-Op preschool. Upon retiring from teaching, she decided to finish college at Washington State University in Vancouver. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and went on to a new career as a Case Manager at Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington, where she was well-loved by her co-workers and clients alike. She donated to countless charities her entire adult life, regardless of her financial situation. Should her kindness and compassion ever be mistaken for weakness, that assumption would be quickly corrected. Maria held strong convictions both personal and political and spoke loudly and without filter to defend them – and no, she didn’t care if you shared her opinion. Maria’s life was so full. She loved any activity involving her kids and grandkids; especially baking with Blake, going on a bike ride with Austin and Nolan, having a movie night with Jacob or cooking something new and fun with Allison and Tina. She was always ready for any adventure. She paddled for years with her beloved Red Cross Racers during the Portland Dragon Boat races. She didn’t let turning 60 stop her from playing co-ed softball with Allison and the UL High Voltage team. She even once joined a bowling league, in the ultra-competitive ‘Women Bowling with Wine” division. She was an avid reader and enthusiastic book club participant. Her favorite destination was Couer d’Alene Lake to visit her bestie and partner in crime, Leeann Esser. Always the life of the party, the light in the room. The infectious smile, the laugh that could lift even the darkest mood. The genuine love for others, mom to all in need of one. And for the love of Pete, the chocolate chip cookies. ‘Gone too soon’ is an understatement that only those who knew and loved her can truly understand. A celebration of life for Maria will be held at Salud! Wine bar and Italian restaurant in Camas, WA. All are welcome at any time during the open house celebration on Sunday January 23rd, from 1:00 to 4:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Glioblastoma Foundation https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/glioblastoma-donations.