Colleen Latorre

Colleen Nancy (Beck) Latorre passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025. A beloved Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend, and Teacher, she lives on in the memories and spirit of the countless people she touched throughout her life. Colleen grew up in Canada and attended teacher’s college in Buffalo, New York. Shortly afterwards, she moved to California and worked as an elementary school teacher and later on as a tutor, a job that she loved. Although far from home, she had the support of her American family that grew in numbers, adding her “L.A. Crew”, but she never forgot to return to Canada to visit her family and friends, and never missed a birthday celebration of her niece and nephew or her beloved “Hip to be Crip cottage party.” She will be remembered most for her humour, which included numerous puns, despite a limit that was given but always exceeded. She was known to be a woman whose spirit could not be contained. Adventurous, intelligent, quick-witted, and delightfully feisty, she had charisma that drew people in and a generosity that touched every life she encountered. Her beauty was matched only by the warmth of her heart, and her presence brought light to those fortunate enough to know her, both human and animal.

Though no longer with us, her love and spirit will forever be felt by her family and friends. Her husband of 6 years, Joseph Latorre II, who was her travel and life partner; her sister, Devon (Beck) Coffey, who supported and tolerated her bigger than life personality; her parents, Gerry and Ed Beck, whose unconditional love and constant support raised her into the beautiful woman she became; Her Aunts Stephanie and Wendy (Aurele), Cousins, Jonathan (Michael), Justin (Debbie) and their son and daughter, Jon and Jennifer, who became part of her home away from home; her beloved niece and nephew, Charlotte and Mack, who were always amazed and inspired by their Aunt who was commonly known as “Zingermeister”. One gift from Charlotte to her Aunt was a sign that said it all: “An Aunt is like a Mom but way cooler”. Though her life ended too soon, there is solace in knowing she has been reunited with her grandmothers, brother-in-law (Paul Coffey), Uncle, Cousin Kathy and beloved pets. Those who knew her connection to her novelty religious items believe that she is now in the arms of her Baby Jesus.

She will also be remembered by her parents-in-law, Lynne and Joe Latorre, brothers-in-law, Tony and Nick Latorre, and sisters-in-law, Jillian and Brooke Latorre as well as her nieces and nephews, Reese, Toni, Luca and Vienna. Her many, many friends, peers, and students, who played as important a role in her life as she did in theirs, remember her vividly and fondly as well.

Although Colleen struggled with Rheumatoid Arthritis from a young age, she never let her limitations hold her back. Colleen embraced life with courage and curiosity, never shying away from new experiences or challenges. She shared her laughter freely, her wisdom generously, and her love unconditionally. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, her “barnyard”, students, and all whose paths crossed hers, but her legacy of kindness, joy, fierce love, and fearless living will continue to inspire.

As we all know, Colleen could not miss a celebration, there will be two celebrations of life events, one in California and a later one in Canada. The first celebration will be at OC Tavern at 2369 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 . It will be held on Saturday, August 23rd from 1:30p.m. to 5:00pm. As we all know Colleen loved a good theme party, the California celebration will have an L.A. Chargers theme. Wear blue and gold colors in her true spirit. The Canadian celebration will be at the end of September in Kingston, Ontario and will be a hat and sunglasses party as she did love her accessories. Date and time will follow. We will be providing a link to the California celebration, and it will be able to be viewed on Joe’s Facebook live page.

RSVP LINK: https://forms.gle/d89fG3xdBT7RfRRM8

We would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support and well wishes.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make donations to the American Humane Society and/or the Arthritis Foundation.