Sara M. Latorre

Sara M. Latorre of Pearl River, NY passed away Friday December 21, 2018.  She was 80. A native New Yorker, she was born in Bronx, NY as one of 6 children to Biagio Latorre and Frances Alfonso.  
A graduate of Cathedral High School she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Mercy College.  
After several years as an educator, Sara went on to a career as a financial advisor for Ameriprise in Valhalla NY. A woman of faith, Sara was a longtime parishioner of St. Augustine’s in New City and later joined St. Aedan R.C. Church.

The visitation is scheduled for Wednesday December 26, 2018 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. 100 Franklin Ave. Pearl River, NY 10965. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Thursday December 27, 2018 at St. Aedan R.C. Church.  Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

Sara is survived by her sisters Dorothy Loffredo, Johanna Thibault, Carol Schardt her brother Joseph and dear friend Phyllis Corrigan and many, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Nunzio “Buddy” Latorre a beloved figure in her life.

Although she had no children of her own, she treated all her nieces and nephews with the love of a surrogate parent.  A woman of athletic prowess, she was the first to organize and participate in backyard sports to include, wiffle ball, football, cornhole or jarts in days of old.  Her lighthearted manner made her the ringleader when it came to dramatic performances by nieces and nephews often donned in her mother’s clothing. When not leading, Sara could be depended upon to join the crowd on various adventures including a train ride to New Hampshire, carpool to Michigan, dinner at the iconic “China Bowl” a Broadway show or other adventure. She was the consummate co-pilot.  

Her ability to relate to people was pinnacle during her years as an educator in California. Helping others was her vocation.  After retiring from teaching, she continued to share her talents assisting clients to plan for their financial future. She practiced what she counseled others by living modestly but sharing generously with loved ones.

Sara was a friend to many including neighbors and casual acquaintances.  She had an empathetic ear and was always willing to lend an opinion. She generously supported children in Honduras. Her most recent child is a 6th grader who regularly corresponded with Sara, wishing her well and telling her about her events and life.  Sara sent her stickers, birthday candles and coloring books. But most importantly, Sara prayed fervently for “her children”. She served as an example of faith for many.

Sara enjoyed games of chance in Atlantic City or Foxwoods. She exercised her mathematical acumen and was eager to “beat the system”. Occasionally, she would play the ponies and bet on the “B” horse in honor of her father Benny and “F” horse for her beloved mother, Frances. She celebrated her 80th birthday on the day of the Kentucky Derby complete with mint juleps and a contest for best hat.

A fervent Yankee fan, she enjoyed watching and attending games often rendering coaching advice to whichever “bum” was managing the team. Recently, she attended and reluctantly stayed to the bitter end of a particularly disappointing and long game and was rewarded with a foul ball off the bat of Brett Gardner.

Despite physical challenges late in life, she wasn’t one to dwell on hardship. She accepted her physical challenges and relied upon her faith in God and love of family for strength. A faithful servant to the end, her last words proclaimed that she was “not afraid”.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to UNBOUND the organization that Sara supported for many years.

https://www.unbound.org/OurImpact/TargetDonations

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