LAVERN MARIE MEMENTOWSKI (nee Springer), 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 30, 2023.
Lavern is predeceased by her husband Stanley, brother Donald (Dorothy), and sister Theresa (Paul). Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her brother John (Diane); children Michael, Chris (Linda), James (Mary), Janice (Jim), Michele (Bob), Sharon (Joe), Karen (Phil), and Joseph (Lori); grandchildren Jessie (Jeff), Krystin (Scott), Kevin (Morgan), Ashley (Michael), Kevin (Ally), Matthew, Kalie (Paul), Joseph S., Cal (Alaia), Alyssa, Megan, Grace, and Bobby; great-grandchildren Madeline (Nick), Ryan, Skyela, Holden, Savannah, Avery, and Giovanni; great-great-grandchild Michael; and several devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lavern and Stanley met in high school, and he wrote her letters from Korea while serving in the Army. He proposed on Easter weekend, and they married on Oct. 27, 1956, the day before she turned 21. They spent 39 years together before he preceded her in death in 1996.
Their eight children, including two sets of twins, were all born within 10 years—which Lavern described as “a lot of fun, never a dull moment.” Known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Busia,” she was also an extended mom and Busia to many.
Lavern worked as a secretary before becoming a cafeteria manager at Saint Stanislaus School. Her luck at the casino and bingo was legendary. She had a feisty spirit, infectious smile and laugh, and sparkling blue eyes that lit up a room. She had a way of making everyone she encountered feel special and loved.
When asked on her 70th birthday what advice she would give her children and grandchildren, she said, “Live life as it comes, but take advantage of opportunities. Just do the best you can.” Words spoken by a matriarch who was truly the best in every way.
The family thanks the staff of Danbury Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice who cared for Lavern during her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stanislaus Church in Cleveland.
Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m Saturday, May 6, 2023 at. at The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus (please meet at church). Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received FRIDAY 3-8 PM at GOLUBSKI FUNERAL HOME, 5986 RIDGE RD., PARMA, OH 44129.