Genevieve Lattin    Feb. 20, 1918 – Jan. 25, 2018

Genevieve (Jean) Lattin passed away very peacefully in her sleep in the presence of her loving daughter, MaryAnn, on

Jan. 25, 2018 (fittingly the 97th birthday memorial of her soulmate and husband of 69 years, Gerald).

She lived through 18 U.S. presidencies and 15 Catholic popes.  When she was born in Utica, NY horse drawn carriages still delivered milk to families, and streetcars crossing town were a new phenomenon.

Her family of 10 were like most Uticans of the time, proud 1st generation immigrants fighting to succeed in their new surroundings.  Jean was the 4th of 8 children.  She was proud to be the first to graduate from high school.  She went on to earn a degree as Registered Nurse, with honors, from Faxton hospital, followed by a Master's degree in Obstetrics from Columbia University School of Nursing – quite remarkable for a young woman in that era!   Before joining the US Navy she worked as a nurse at the Hamilton College infirmary where she first met soul mate Gerald who was a student there.  The serious need for registered nurses for the US Navy led her to enlist.  This, despite the fact that young Jean could not swim a stroke!  Amazing but true.

She was stationed at the Bethesda Naval Hospital where she cared for President Roosevelt, met Winston Churchill and Shirley Temple among other celebrities.   On Sept. 22, 1943 she married Gerald in a full military ceremony at Notre Dame University where he was finishing OCS.

The couple settled in Ithaca, NY where Gerald was embarking on graduate studies at Cornell University.  Jean worked full time at a local hospital to support the young couple while raising sons Thomas and James.  Gerald earned his M.A. and PhD degrees and began a long career in college education at the new School of Hotel Administration at Cornell.  Early in his tenure there came along child #3, MaryAnn Susan in 1953.

The children all grew up in Ithaca with Jean continuing her nursing career throughout.  She oversaw the operation of the Premature Nursery where she also assisted in the birth of many children of rich and poor.

Gerald's work availed the couple to travel extensively all over the world.  They were guests at a state dinner at the White House hosted by the Reagans.

Raising a family, conducting a career, staying very active in school and church activities, kept Jean a very busy lady.  But what separates her from the norm was an unswerving devotion to her husband and family.  She made countless personal sacrifices to help her loving family, giving up personal pleasure to give her children everything they needed to grow into responsible adults.  And in that she succeeded nobly!

Gerald's career led the couple to Florida International University in Miami and to the University of Houston.  The couple spent a companionable retirement in south Florida, San Diego, and Houston where they doted on their 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Jean also enjoyed many hours at bingo venues where her ability to maintain large quantities of cards and win at an amazing pace made her legendary in bingo circles!

Jean lived for 5 years as a widow at The Conservatory in Spring, TX where stories of her WWII days were equally legendary.  Despite her advanced age (and still lack of swimming skills!) she survived a harrowing boat rescue escape from her flooded out home with the help of her loving caregivers and family.  She lived her final months near her daughter MaryAnn in Boerne, TX.

Jean's smile lit up dark rooms and her wry and subtle humor was a joy to behold.  Her lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus, have led her to advance to a new stage in the remarkable story of a soul which undoubtedly is now rejoined with her soul mate Gerald.

Mom, Gigi, Aunt Jean, Jean …. You are missed very much by scores of people whose lives you have touched deeply.  Peace.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Make checks payable to the FIU Foundation, Inc. and mail to:

FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Attn: Simone Champagnie
3000 N.E. 151st Street,
HM 215 North Miami, FL 33181-3000

Please indicate in the note section of the check "Dean Gerald Lattin Scholarship Endowment".