Georgia Drivas Latti, of York passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on May 27 at the age of 88, after living a life of love and wonder, finally succumbing to the relentless progression of Alzheimer’s. Georgia was born on May 1, 1935 in Saco Maine to Speredoula and Spiros Drivas both emigrants from Southern Greece.

Georgia grew up as Jo in the vibrant Greek community of Saco, where she developed her strong core values of family, education, helping others, and the Greek Orthodox Church. She graduated from Thornton Academy in Saco, and the University of Maine at Orono with a Bachelor of Arts in education. It was at the University of Maine where she fell in love with a Black Bear college basketball player named Michael Latti, who later became her husband of 61 years. After a short career teaching, she and Michael settled in Concord, Massachusetts, where they worked as a team in creating a successful maritime law practice in Boston, and in raising a family of four children - Mark, Beth, Kristin and Carolyn – before they moved to York, Maine, their home for the past 32 years.

Georgia’s true love and devotion was family, nurturing a home where family and friends were always welcome and comfortable, no visitor ever left hungry and there was never an empty refrigerator. Her family went far beyond her four children, and included not only relatives but friends, neighbors, her children’s friends, classmates and beyond. Her infectious smile and laugh were a constant companion wherever she was, and her personality, which was as big as her heart, would always fill the room.

She was always volunteering and helping, whether as a den mother for cub scouts, troop leader for Brownies, chaperoning her children’s school field trips, or devoting time to the York Food Pantry, the University of Maine Alumni Association, York Garden Club, or the Saco Greek Orthodox Church. She loved traveling, and no matter if she was five thousand miles away or just five miles, she was always quick to introduce herself, and have a new lifelong friend by the end of the trip. Along with her family, two of her other loves were the St. Demetrios Orthodox Church in Saco, and the University of Maine at Orono, two places where she often devoted her time. Georgia believed in giving back to the places and people that touched her heart. Georgia and Michael donated the Drivas Hall at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, named in honor of her parents, and also the Michael B. and Georgia D. Latti Fitness center at the University of Maine. Georgia was a loving and devoted wife, mother and Yiayia who was a friend to all, she touched all who knew her and will be forever missed.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Michael B. Latti and their four children: her son Mark Latti and his fiancé Liz Thorndike of Strong, Maine; Daughter and son-in-law Beth and David Anderson of Topsfield, Mass.; daughter and son in law Kristin and Bruce Major of Lincoln, N.H.; daughter and son in law Carolyn Latti and Jack Milmoe of Boxford, Mass.; and 13 grandchildren: Michael Latti, Corrinne Latti, Jon Anderson, Josh Anderson, Jake Anderson, Julia Anderson, Michael Major, William Major, Matthew Major, Thomas Major, Daniel Milmoe, Christopher Milmoe and Zoe Milmoe; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, both related and unrelated. She was predeceased by her sister, Chrysoula Papleacos, and her brothers, George and Peter Drivas.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:30 to 7:30pm on Thursday, June 1st in the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road in York, Maine. There will be a funeral held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 2 at  St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco, and burial to follow at the St. Demetrios Hellenic Orthodox Cemetery in Biddeford with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Georgia’s memory to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at 186 Bradley Street in Saco, ME 04072, www.stdemetriosofmaine/giving/.com