Tributes

Graciela (Gracie), my sweet and beloved mother, (Mama) entered eternal life on February 23 at the age of 98. She was known to all who knew her as a person of character yet always respectful and nice toward others, always having an uplifting and positive word that made those who encountered her feel special. At the Legacy Village, Memory Care unit (previous St. Gabriel’s of Murrells Inlet) where she resided for the last four years and four months, the staff loved her because she always let them know what a “blessing” each of them were to her. Some she called her “granddaughters”. That affection was retributed by them who in turn took such great care of her until the end. She used to tell me how she felt “well taken care of” by the staff. She had a particular sense of humor, mostly enjoyed by those who spoke her native language, Spanish. Born in Colon, Panama in 1925, she became a nurse in the 1940s, a profession that defined her till the end of her life. She was dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of her patients, whether when working in the OR, administratively or in public health (her favorite). My Mom was also a dedicated wife to my father (Antonio) and they teamed up to support their community in Panama until he passed on. She was most happy when the family got together and she would readily express her love to me Ligia (Celso), to her nieces Elsa, Norka (Rodrigo), Elisa and their families, to her stepson Victor, to her granddaughter Alanna Murphy (Sean) and their children Sophia, Brendan and Evangeline who survive her and whom she loved dearly. My Mama was devoted to the Virgin Mary and prayed the Holy Rosary everyday of her life until she could not recall the prayers. She was actively involved in the Church in Panama and served as Minister of the Eucharist for many years. Her immovable faith, love for God and perseverance in praying were influential in the life of those that were close to her. In her last difficult days, although she could not do the rosary, she would call unto Jesus and the Virgin Mary for strength and felt very much loved by Our Lord Jesus Christ. Funeral Services will be carried out on Monday, March 4 at Precious Blood of Christ at 1:00p.m. Instead of flower arrangements, donations can be offered to Fr. Paul’s Kitchen at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church in Pawleys Island or to the Homeless Luncheon Program at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach. We will miss my Mama’s physical presence and loving words. May her memory be eternal!

Tributes

Graciela W. Latiff

April 16, 1925 - February 23, 2024