LaTanga Y. Steward

LaTanga Y. Steward, age 60, departed this life on February 13, 2025 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Born on June 26, 1964, in South Bend, Indiana, LaTanga (aka Tanga or TeTe), was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her.

A proud graduate of LaSalle High School class of 1982, she later earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix. While she held various jobs throughout her career, she found her true calling in human services, where she devoted herself to helping others—a passion that defined her life.

Tanga had a superpower unlike any other: the ability to make anyone feel accepted. Her smile was magnetic, her spirit infectious, and she truly was the life of the party. She loved makeup, hosting and entertaining, bringing people together with laughter, warmth, and of course, amazing food. Cooking was her love language, and she took great joy in feeding her family, friends, and even her coworkers. 

Tanga was a free spirit through and through. She had a soft spot for animals, always showing them the same kindness she gave to people. She loved country music, singing along to her favorite songs no matter who was listening. And if you knew Tanga, you knew one thing for sure-she hated shoes. She was always barefoot, embracing life with the same ease and comfort as if the world itself was her home.

She is survived by her Father, Richard Winston of Bradenton, FL; her sisters, Crystal Jefferies of Indianapolis, IN and Selena Winston of Columbus, OH; and her brother, Andrew Grywczynski Jr. of South Bend, IN. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, LaRena (T’Andre) Ottbridge of South Bend, IN and Sunsea (Martell) Williams of Atlanta, GA, and raised her beloved niece, Alezandria Winston of Columbus, OH, as her own. She also shared a deep bond with her bonus daughter, Amanda Estremera of Columbus, OH. Others to cherish her memory are her partner in life, Kerwin Wilkins; bonus grandchildren, Eva Gant and De’Airra Sykes; nieces Paja Brown of Indianapolis, IN; Sahnarriea Grywczynski of Dallas, TX; Cyras and Ameri Grywczynski of South Bend, IN; nephews, Rickey Jefferies, Jr. and Bentley Russell of South Bend, IN along with a host of cousins, great nieces/nephews and many friends.

Tanga is preceded in death by her Mother, Joann Grywczynski; bonus Father, Andrew Grywczynski Sr.; bonus Mother Murdell Winston; sister, Beverly Winston-Phillips; and niece, Jasmine Swanson.

Tanga’s warmth, generosity, and boundless love will never be forgotten. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of kindness, hospitality, and selflessness will live on in the many lives she touched.

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