Shirley F (Norcross) Latko

She was both hellfire and holy water. “The Chief” as we affectionately called her was our matriarch. Our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was; kind, fair, loving, and sassy who, just loved a cold beer. Shirley F. Latko (nee Norcross) possessed an outspoken strength and candid sense of humor that took her through 94 years, several marriages, and the ability to raise a large family. At home, she was a doting mother and homemaker who enjoyed “mom stuff”  baking, sewing… and kicking ass in Yahtzee. Time spent away from home was pressing lady luck on the slots at the casinos or camping in the outdoor’s solitude.

For many of us, Thursday, November 25, 2021, was a day of coming together in tribute and thanksgiving. During the early evening of that day, at just about supper time, we learned how difficult it was to love someone that death can touch after Mrs. Latko passed away at Jefferson Hospital, Stratford.

Mrs. Latko was born in Camden and had most recently been a resident of West Deptford. Aside from fulfilling life’s toughest job… being a mother, she worked as a bartender, owner, and operator of the Woodbridge in Blackwood.

Sadly, Shirley is the next of kin to the wayward wind. She was predeceased by her late husband. Stephen J. Latko and was predeceased by her children; the late Shirley Hunter, Eleanor Smith, Stephen G. Latko, Michael Latko, Vincent “Danny” Timmins, and Jimmy Timmins. Mrs. Latko is survived by her sons; Francis P. “Tim” Timmins, Ed and Michael Scanlon as well as her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather with the Latko family on Tuesday morning. We’ll be sharing our heartfelt stories, telling old camping tales and laughing about Yahtzee between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 400 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn where a remembrance ceremony will begin at 1:00 pm.

To generously donate to the Latko family, please click the “Donations” tab.

#crerancelebration #heartfelt