It is with great sadness that Heritage mourns the loss of Mrs. Anita LaTorre, the beloved former junior high principal who passed away in March after a courageous battle with cancer.
Known for her wisdom, kindness and leadership, Mrs. LaTorre touched the lives of countless students, faculty and staff members throughout her 29 years at Heritage.
After receiving her Certificate of Phonetics in French and Art History from the University of Paris, Mrs. LaTorre earned her BA in French and Hispanic studies at the Connecticut College in 1975. Mrs. LaTorre’s emphasis on education was evident as she also earned her Master’s in teaching French from the University of North Carolina in 1994, nearly 20 years after finishing her undergraduate studies. She began her Heritage career in 1996 as a French teacher before moving into administration.
In 2005, Mrs. LaTorre became the Assistant Dean of Students, where her ability to connect with students was unparalleled. She always made time to listen and offer guidance, creating an environment where students felt seen and understood.
“I was close to Ms. LaTorre as we worked together for many years in the Dean’s Office. I could always turn to Ms. LaTorre for her measured and sage advice,” Mr. Dean Nolle, current Director of Deans and a former colleague of Mrs. LaTorre, said. “We also could talk endlessly about our favorite places to travel and eat in those cities. We both loved Paris and London and often shared our stories with one another.”
The genuine personal connection Mrs. LaTorre was able to make was a key aspect of her personality and what made her such an impactful leader.
“She was always someone who could look at a scenario and provide you with sound advice,” senior high Principal Mr. Osmel Rodriguez said. “Anyone that was within her sphere of influence knew that if they were having some sort of difficulty, she would say ‘hey, have you thought about this?’ or ‘maybe try this approach.’ She always found the right words to say to make the impact understandable. That requires all tact,” he said.
Her colleagues often recall her kindness and the way she brought warmth to every aspect of her work. “Everything came from a place of love and warmth,” Mr. Rodriguez continued. “When she joined administration, this warm approach became infectious, and a lot of us – whether it was deans, teachers or administrators – took it upon ourselves.”
Mrs. LaTorre transitioned from dean to the junior high principal in 2011, where her influence expanded, rooted in understanding and patience.
“She was always available, whether it was an email, a call or a quick conversation in the hallway. And the responses you received were always well thought out. She would often tell me, ‘I was thinking about our conversation on my way home, and I’ve got a better answer for you now.’ It wasn’t just about giving a response—it was about truly caring,” Mr. Rodriguez said.
Mrs. Natalie Cashman always had a special relationship with Mrs. LaTorre. Mrs. Cashman often followed Mrs. LaTorre’s steps regarding positions within administration, so Mrs. LaTorre was “incredibly special in that she always served as a mentor.”
“She was one of those deans that was always there to listen to a student. She was just so thoughtful. Nothing was ever punitive. She’d say, ‘Listen, you made a mistake today. We’re going to fix it and we’re going to move forward. That’s who she was,” Mrs. Cashman said.
Besides her personal qualities, Mrs. LaTorre was notorious for her “feistiness” and sense of style. Known for her extensive necklace collection, she’d often be seen in all sorts of jewels and accessories or sporting the latest hairstyle.
“We had a meeting in the summer one time right when she first got sick… she had a beautiful scarf on and was still saying ‘I don’t look the way I’m supposed to on this meeting.’ And she looked beautiful, I mean, stunning. She still managed to put makeup on and everything because that’s who she was. She was always put together,” Mrs. Cashman said.
But, Mr. Rodriguez added, “As cool as she looked, as stylish as she looked, she was also very precise with her words because she wanted her words to count – not to be just frivolous.”
“Mrs. LaTorre was a strong lady. She was confident. She might not have been very tall, but she had the confidence as if she was 6-foot,” publications teacher Ms. Diana Adams, a coworker and friend of Mrs. LaTorre, said. “I remember when we were on a field trip in NYC and I saw a beautiful jade necklace that I liked. I wasn’t going to get it until she turned to me and emphatically said, ‘You really deserve it. You should get it.’ So, I bought the necklace,” she said.
While Mrs. LaTorre may be gone, the lessons and positive spirit she left behind will last forever. She inspired those around her and reminded them that every day is an opportunity to make a difference – something everyone can carry forward in her memory.
“You come across special people only ever so often. And when you find them, you should cherish them, learn from them and listen to them. Mrs. LaTorre is one of those people,” Mr. Rodriguez said.
(Photos/Carol Gadan)
(Photo/Weston Photography)
Former principal Mrs. Elise Blum with Mrs. LaTorre. “[Mrs. LaTorre] was my partner in crime, my coworker and my friend. She was smart, stylish, classy, feisty, funny and sweet. I spent so much time with her over the years, and I simply can’t believe she is gone. She will be missed and remembered, and her memory will be a blessing. Au revoir mon doux ami (Translation: goodbye, my sweet friend),” Mrs. Blum said in her memory. (Photo/Mrs. Blum)
This article was featured in issue 7 of the Patriot Post
