Latisha Angela Tapetillo

Latisha Angela Tapetillo
October 16, 1985 - February 16, 2023
Merced, California - Latisha Tapetillo was born and died in Merced. Latisha's life was deeply broken after her only daughter, Larayna, passed away. Larayna was diagnosed with Gliomatosis Cerebri one month before turning 19. Latisha stayed by Larayna's side through it all. They were always very close. They did everything together and considered each other best friends. They often took trips together and would spend hours talking. Latisha loved being a mother. Anyone who came across them could sense their unbreakable bond of mother/daughter.
Latisha made it her life goal that her daughter felt loved and cared for everyday. Latisha had Larayna at 15 years old and by 17 they were out in this world on their own. Latisha worked hard to give her daughter a good life and enrolled herself in college at 18. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from CSU Stanislaus. She facilitated teen parent support groups and taught life skills classes with emphasis on parenting. She found much joy in helping new moms. Larayna would often volunteer with her mother at work. They had a full life with Latisha's career, Larayna taking college courses before graduating high school and friends to go out with. They were happy until the fatal words of incurable brain cancer were heard. Larayna had barely turned 20 before dying in her mother's arms. Cancer cut this little family of two in half. Latisha needed her daughter with her. She will follow her grandmother, Rosa Sabala and her daughter, Larayna Tapetillo in death.
Please keep Larayna and Latisha in your prayers and take comfort that they are together again in Heaven. Latisha asks if anyone would like to make donations to please send it to a brain cancer research facility or ayjfund.org in Larayna Tapetillo's name. She thanks all the people who stepped into their lives during her daughter's fight to live. Arrangements entrusted to Whitton Family Funeral Service.