Myrtis Ladner Serafin

Myrtis Ladner Serafin, age 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 8, 2016. She was born on December 7, 1922, in Pass Christian, MS.
She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, John Serafin, Jr.; her parents, Nicholas Ladner and Justin'A Cuevas Ladner; her sisters, Gladys (Randolph) Ladner, and Marietta (Larry) Guidry; and a dear sister-in-law, Edna Ladner.
Myrtis is survived by her sons, John (Patty) Serafin, III of Natchez, MS, and Mark (Mary) Serafin of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; her daughter, Mary (Andy, Jr.) Alfonso of Gulfport, MS. Seven grandchildren will cherish her memories: Marlee Kate (Garrett) Jones of Natchez, MS, Brian (Megan) Serafin of Ft. Walton Beach, Fl, Rebecca Serafin and Kristin Serafin, both of Nashville, TN, Paul Alfonso of Gulfport, MS, Andy (Suzanne) Alfonso, III of Ocean Springs, MS, and Andrea Alfonso Crowson of Austin, TX. Ten precious great-grandchildren continue another generation: Molly Kate Jones, Natalie Serafin, Katherine Serafin, Alden Alfonso, Caitlin Alfonso, Ethan Alfonso, Ella Emerson Alfonso, Ivan Crowson, Samuel Crowson, and Jude Crowson.
She graduated from Pass Christian High School and began her career at Keesler Air Force Base. She met the love of her life, John Serafin, Jr., and when he returned from the war, they were married. They began their life together in Wilkes-Barre, PA, John's hometown. He obtained a college degree in secondary education, and Myrtis continued her civil service work for the government. During this time they were also blessed with a first born daughter. A job opportunity to teach on the Gulf Coast and coach basketball at the school gave them a chance to move their family back to where they met. They knew Gulfport was where they wanted to raise a family, and two sons were born in years to follow.
Myrtis was a devoted wife and mother. She was active in various PTA's, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, basketball teams and church activities in their community. She and John always enjoyed volunteering their cooking/baking skills for the annual preparations for the Greek Night Celebrations at John's church. She had hobbies in the arts, writing, sewing and her yard.
She was a gifted seamstress who would design and make the patterns for the dresses she would sew for herself, as well as friends. For her wedding, she designed and made her dress and the dresses for her bridesmaids.
Myrtis' life was often shared with the close relationships she had with all her sisters and brothers, Nancy Dubuisson (Eugis, deceased), Joan (Lavell) Ladner, Lee (Eunice) Ladner, Bidwell (Doris) Ladner, and Bernard (Carol) Ladner, all from Pass Christian, MS. After her husband John passed away, one of the highlights of her weekend would be to drive out to the Delisle community of Pass Christian and always find one of her family members at home with an open door, rocking chair or porch swing, and a cup of coffee (and maybe fresh biscuits).
John and Doris Carroll and Joyce Kotulski were Myrtis' long-time ""bingo-buddies"" and rarely did they miss a weekend of fun and fellowship at the American Legion. Myrtis was also blessed to have her dear friends and caring neighbors, Kathy and Bruce White and Barbara Himes. She depended on Kevin Lee when she could not work on one of her favorite outdoor hobbies anymore, taking care of her yard and her roses. She rode her lawnmower until she gave it up at eighty.
The family is very grateful for the many dedicated caregivers and physicians who assisted them in recent months and to the staff of Garden Park, 3A wing.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12:00pm at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Lake Christian Academy, 11555 Cedar Lake Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532.
An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.