It is so hard to put into words the feelings I have about the loss of someone I've loved my whole life. I loved her, I respected her and I trusted her. Even though we all have gone or will go through a loss some time during our lives, the experience itself, the emotions that it brings and the expression of those emotions is unique to each of us. For me, well, some moments I'm strong and able to thank God for the blessing of having a mother like Jean, and some moments I'm a babbling little girl that misses her mommy. The true range of emotions is indescribable. I really lost â€œmy momâ€ a few years ago when Alzheimer's claimed her. It was hard â€“ it was like watching my friend walk away from me forever - and in the beginning it was hard for her, too, because she saw what was happening to her and she had no control over it. But as she had always faced adversity, she handled the struggle graciously and through the progression of the disease, taught me things about life and love that I had never imagined. The woman she became was kind and easy going and sometimes stern. She had definite opinions about things and was not shy about expressing them. She had a wonderful sense of humor and occasionally came up with a great quip. She always greeted anyone that approached her with a smile, a warm hello and an extended hand of friendship - including me. And in learning life lessons from this new friend that looked like my mom, had personality traits like my mom but wasn't â€œmy momâ€, I was able to get over my anger about losing her, and embrace the new her and yes, truly love her. 
So, I guess my memorial to Jean Lattner would be that she was my mom, my friend, my example and ultimately, my teacher â€“ until the very end. I love both â€œmy momsâ€, and will miss them both until I see them again.

There was a time when Gammie was a mom to me, my brother and my sister. Our Dad wasn't able to provide for us at the time and she gave us what he could not, a home. I never even understood it wasn't a traditional living situation. Well, I guess really that doesn't exist these days. Gammie gave and gave to us not even once asking for anything in return, except maybe a hug. I can't remember a single time she was anything but lovely. Never a word of anger. And I'm sure with the three of us running around she had opportunities. She was this sort of magical angel that endlessly cared for us. My favorite childhood memories come from when we lived with her, skating in her carport messing with those bricks. And  sitting on those flat pillows in front of the ac unit on hot summer days. Homemade icecream, her meatloaf and mashed potatoes, unsweetened iced tea, those thick glass cup with the diamond pattern, her unreasonable collection of coffee mugs, artwork from all her grandkids around the house, that most uncomfortable boxy blue chair, the old click dial tv, the huge white bible in the living room, her famous poster of Tom Selleck on the back of her door, and of course, her white hair!  I feel that the world went a tiny but darker when her flame went out. Love you Gammie, may you rest in peace.

I am so glad we had the opportunity to celebrate Mom's life. It was really heartwarming when friends and family got together in her honor. She was a great Mom, a true friend, and a compassionate, caring, considerate soul. She will truly be missed.

I love and miss my Gammie! Some of my best childhood memories were camping and fishing with her,She showed me how to tie a fisherman's knot,bait a hook,and take the fish off, Although I never cleaned them as a child,Gammie would always say "if you catch them I'll clean them!" That was awesome because she wouldn't eat fish.Gammie taught me how to do for myself and helped me to learn from my mistakes.I could go on for days with all the things I remember doing with gammie.I even have memories of her giving me a bath in the kitchen sink!I loved playing with my Tonka Cars on her Terrazo floors,the same ones my children play on today!I will forever remember the things she taught me as I am passing those things down to my own children!

Mom was a special person to me and I was to her since I was the only son-in-law. She treated me like a king. She grew up in the depression and was a part of WWII as an exemplary military wife. She travelled all over the world and saw places that 95% of the people on this planet will never see. Through all of this she was still a down to earth country girl from Winter Garden, Florida. In her house in Orlando, she had a A/C window unit in her dining room and rarely turned it on, except for company or when someone was staying with her. She was frugal but had plenty and would share whatever she had.
Early on she placed her faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ. She lead her family by this gracious example. She was very active in her church by serving wherever she was needed - from cleaning in the kitchen to serving as an Elder.
She lived a simple life and was actively involved in camping into her 70's. Some of our family's fondest memories are of camping trips we took with her. She was a great friend and took wonderful care of her family. As the matriarch she was always there for us. She read her bible first thing every morning and then worked the crossword puzzle. 
It was an honor and pleasure to be part of her life.

I knew her as Clara Jean, a favorite of my mother, father, brother and sister, and later of mine.  I loved her everlasting spirit and would only hope I could be half that influential.  Thank you for sharing her life and pictures, I especially love the one of Aunt Eva Mae and Uncle Jim. Your family has been blessed.

I had the pleasure & privilege of knowing Jean (Mrs. Lattner to me) when the family moved in the neighborhood back in the 60's.  Susan, her daughter & I became fast friends.  My best memories were going camping with Susan & Mrs. Lattner.  Those were good times I will never forget.  Mrs. Lattner hosted my baby shower after my daughter, Brandy was born 5 weeks early!  Our loss of a wonderful, godly woman is heaven's gain.

We met Jean in the 60's when she and her family moved into the house on Joanne.  We became fast friends for several reasons.  We had children in the same age group and we were active in the Conway Presbyterian Church.  Over the years, our friendship grew.  Later, we both joined Grace Covenant Church.  Millie remembers going to Winter Garden with Jean visiting with her family and hearing about her life growing up.  Millie also remembers the fun they had together picking strawberries and blackberries and listening to stories about her camping trips.  We found Jean to be a loving, caring, special person.  In August 1977, we returned to Orlando after a 2 year stint with Martin in New Orleans.  The public schools were just about to start and we wanted our son Donald enrolled at Boone HS for his senior year.  Jean took him in as a surrogate mother.  Donald has left his own tribute elsewhere on these pages.
We treasure our friendship with Jean, she was a very special person and will be sorely missed.

                                John and Millie Sewell  Orlando,FL

Susan, Thank you so much for posting these pictures. My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love, Deb Denmark

I had the pleasure of living with Jean and her father, who we all affectionately called Grandaddy, during my senior year of high school. She was very much like a mother to me.  I especially remember her telling me stories about her life and relating those stories to my own life, a ritual I now share with my own children.  Her loving touch reached, and will continue to reach, down the generations, far beyond her own family and friends, or even those who knew her. Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute to her life.

I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to meet Jean. She was a lovely woman and has left a wonderful legacy for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her wisdom, caring nature, and love of life are definitely reflected in her daughter, Suz!

She was a lithe spirit and I always enjoyed spending time talking with her although that was not so often. We did some work for her in the past and it was a pleasure to do it for her as she was always so appreciative of people and what they were able to do.

I loved reading things that I hadn't known about Gammie, and I enjoyed being reminded of the many reasons why I love her. Her life seems almost as beautiful as her..

Jean had a beautiful life. Thank you for sharing her life story.

"Gammie" was grandma to so many children besides her own grand kids.  My Eric especially remembers her as he spent a good deal of time at the Hurst home.  Gammie was someone I always wanted to be like when I grew older.  She had such a zest for life and was so loving and giving to others.  I will always remember her with love and admiration.  She raised a daughter that is just as beautiful inside and out - one who I have the honor to call my friend.  You will be missed Gammie by all those who were fortunate to know and love you.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Clara Jean Jean Denmark Lattner

4 janvier 1919 – 11 octobre 2012

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