Lastenia "Anita" Pinate Morales

Morales, Lastenia “Anita”, 98 of Tampa, FL passed away on December 26, 2015. She was born in Panama City, Panama and met her husband Pedro during World War II while working on base in the Canal Zone. She was the love of his life and they were married for 67 years. She was the epitome of a military wife, waiting patiently for her soldier to return from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Our mother was a kind and gracious woman who raised her 5 children to be of strong character and to be proud. She was the wisest woman we have ever known, and she continued to express such wisdom until her final day. She was predeceased by her husband, Pedro, and daughter, Clarissa Lovejoy. She is survived by her children Pedro Jr. (Marlene), Nelida Belle (Doug), Ricardo (Denise), Edgardo (Lisa), and son-in-law Michael Lovejoy. She was Nana to 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She lovingly took care of all her grandchildren and always knew the perfect remedy for a scraped knee or a bumped head. She had a gift for crocheting the most beautiful doilies, had a deep love for animals, and was a terrific cook. She was an avid telenovella watcher and never missed an episode of Don Francisco’s Sabado Gigante. Thank you, Nana, for giving us the most important things in life – family and love. We miss you terribly but are so happy that you are in heaven with Papi and Klary. We may have lost you, but heaven has gained a beautiful angel to watch over us all. Friends will be received on Wednesday, Dec 30 at 6 PM with a Catholic prayer service at Blount & Curry Funeral Home 12690 N 56th St, Temple Terrace. A graveside service will be on Thursday, Dec 31 at 11 AM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell where she will rest forever with Pedro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to All Children’s Hospital or The Mr. Strong Foundation, www.mrstrongfoundation.org.