Maria J. Laterra

Maria J. (Van Wemmel) Laterra wife of the late John F. Laterra entered into eternal rest to be with her family and loved ones on February 15, 2013. Maria was born on January 6, 1921 in Steenhuffel, Belgium, the daughter of Jean Van Wemmel and Marie (Ahlbrecht) Van Wemmel. She was one of five children, brothers Albert, Gerard, Jean and sister Louise. Maria met her husband John during World War II and at the wars end, John returned to Belgium to marry Maria, eventually coming to America, where she lived out the rest of her years. Maria was a very skillful seamstress and worked for a fine ladies dress store, Buttleman's in Willimantic. After having her children, she worked at the former Electro-Motive Manufacturing Company and she finally retired from Mario's Bakery, where she was front sales person. She will be most remembered for her love and devotion to her family. She leaves behind her eldest daughter Christine M. Lyons of Bolton and her daughter Gina Allen of Columbia; her grandchildren Jessica (Lyons) and husband Steven Bogacz of Willimantic, Timothy Lyons and his companion Heather of Stafford Springs, Scott Lyons (predeceased), Jarus Lazeski of Willimantic and Jillene (Lazeski) and her husband Justin M.P. Smith of Columbia; and her great grandchildren, Illiana Smith, Sebastian Lazeski, Kelsey Bogacz and Aurora Lyons. Her family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday Feb. 21, 2013 between 6:00 and 8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. A private graveside service in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham, will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Maria's name to St. Joseph Living Center, 14 Club Rd. Windham, Ct. 06280. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .