Laticia M. Socobasin

Laticia Marie Socobasin ‘Teesh’ 32, of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, was born at Motahkomikuk “Indian Township” to Jeanette Socobasin and Ryan Gabriel. On August 22, 2023 she was called to the spirit world. Her death was unexpected, leaving all those who love her in shock and heartache. From birth until Laticia’s last breath she was surrounded by the love of her family, and everyone who came to know her.

On July 13, 1991 Laticia burst into this world full of life; ready to meet her family and make friends. She was so eager that she didn’t wait for the ambulance to arrive before making her debut. She was born at home, a beautiful, strong, healthy baby with bright eyes and big cheeks.

Laticia was delighted with her baby brother, Roger Brown Jr, who arrived 2 years after her. They shared those bright eyes and chubby cheeks with complete adoration and love for each other. Where you found one of them, you’d find the other. Teesh and Rog shared a special sibling bond throughout their childhood which continued through their adult lives.

Laticia attended Indian Township Elementary school and then went on to attend high school at Lee Academy. She had a charming wit about her and could get a crowd moving, which she learned to perfect in her grade school classrooms. Chris Goldsmith, a retired educator shares memories of Laticia’s kind, caring nature and how she loved to playfully tease teachers. “She could get the entire class all wound up, but as teachers turned to see what was happening she was stone cold, sitting there like the perfect student…but her dancing eyes showed it all”. If you met Laticia, you know those dancing eyes.

Laticia was very close to her maternal grandfather Joseph Socobasin “Bobby Bix” who she endearingly nicknamed ‘Grump’. Together the two of them could have a room in tears laughing. They shared a dry sense of humor and played well off each other. It’s impossible to talk about Teesh without also talking about Grump. When Laticia came home from the hospital as a newborn baby it is Grump’s home that she returned to. As her grandfather’s age and physical health demanded more care, Laticia was there, just as he had been for her. She loved cooking for him and later for her family. She adored ‘Grump’ and when he passed away in 2019 a piece of her went with him.

Laticia loved being a mother. Laticia and Wallace Cline beamed with pride as they welcomed their children into the world. First came Liam Cline age 12, then Brandon Cline age 11, followed by their sister Akira Cline age 10. Laticia and Wallace divorced, but attempted to reconcile years later and welcomed Everleigh Cline age 3 into the world. Despite their unsuccessful reconciliation they remained dear friends with their children at the center of their relationship.

Laticia and John Renaud had two beautiful children together, Zane Renaud age 7 and Remington ‘Remi’ Renaud age 6.  The days with all six kids together were especially blissful. Together, they would spend hours in the sun, the kids swimming in the pool, bouncing on the trampoline or snuggled warm inside on a cold day.

Laticia worked at Border Baptist Thrift Store in Calais with owner Joe Rosebush. Joe’s wife, Anna, recalls the fond memories of both Joe and Laticia. Joe would share with Anna how he enjoyed having Laticia at the store. Her bubbly vibe brought joy to the workplace and was a pleasure to be around.

Laticia cherished the days she spent at camp with her paternal grandfather Roger Ritter. She loved his company and the fun, peaceful energy of camp. She delighted in music of all genres, canoeing, reading, friends, family, humor and good food. She wore her hair in a wildly messy bun on top of her head and, most days, wrapped herself in a hoodie. She wore a warm smile and inviting eyes. Being loved by Laticia was a gift.

We are comforted by remembering those who have gone before Laticia including her maternal grandparents her ‘Grump’ Joseph Socobasin, Maliyan ‘Mary-Ellen’ Stevens, Mary Neptune; George Stevens; paternal grandmothers Lorraine Ritter and Rita Ranco; Aunt Sylvia Gabriel, Auntie Bethany Tomah & Windy Lank; Uncle Nakoma Gabriel; Uncles Norman Stevens; Uncles Donnie, Joseph, Jonathan & Maurice Socobasin; and cousins Richard ‘Pun’ Stevens, Gary Stevens, Nova Socobasin.

Laticia was blessed with a great big family and we were blessed with her. Her family and friend list is seemingly endless and after pages and pages there would still be many missed. Some of those who are left to carry her memory and love for her children forward are siblings Roger Brown Jr, Hunter Plourde, Adrienne Tomah, Noah Tomah, Jaden Tomah. Aunties Eleanor Muwin, Wanda Tweedie, Sandra “Sam” Eggen, Nikia Cote, Kathy Mitchell, Judy Stevens, Beverly Stevens, Seraphine Bassett, Grace Trott and Bridgid Neptune. Uncles Robert and Lucas Socobasin, Garry Stevens, Richard Stevens, Wallace and Newell Lewey, Brad White.

Cousins Cassandra & Jodi Socobasin; Matthew Trott; Alison Furman; Glen, Danielle and Tiffany Tomah; Horace, Raymond, Darian, Tre, Aselis & Mo Neptune; Malleah, Sylvia, Sipuhsis Brown; Ryan Campbell; Irene Dewitt; Nathan and Trevor Mitchell; Brian, Tonisha, Katelynn, and Jordan McLaughlin; Aaron and Matt Dana. Lauren Jain; James Sock; Ashley, George ‘Chach’,  and Randy Stevens; close friend Kurt Moore and so many many more.

Please keep Laticia’s children Liam, Brandon, Akira, Zane, Remi and Everleigh, along with their dads Wallace and John, in your hearts.