Laverne A. Gelo's Obituary
Laverne, aged 77, passed away peacefully at her home on February 8th surrounded by her family. LaVerne was born in San Mateo as the eldest child of Anne (O’Connor) and Stan Isaacs. She was sister to Loretta, wife of Al Russell, of El Granada, CA and Laurene “Dolly” Drivon , of Brentwood, CA. Married to Thomas Hevey, she was proudest of her three children: Kathryn, wife of Tim Avena and mother of Benjamin, of Oakhurst, CA; Thomas, Jr., husband of Christine Fedas, of Belmont, MA; and Brian, father of Paige, of Redwood City, CA. In addition to her sisters, children and grandchildren (who referred to her as “Nonie”), LaVerne counted among those she loved her large extended family, which includes her caretaker and friend Jo Langatau, and Jo’s son John.LaVerne was known for her boundless energy, enthusiasm and creativity. She had a lifelong interest in sports, including swimming, water ballet, skiing and tennis, accumulating many trophies over the years. As a member of the Apres Ski Club, she enjoyed the comradery of others who shared her interests in travel and sports. Her sense of style was evident in everything she did, from the dresses she designed at an early age and clothing she wore, to the paintings, crafts and poems that she created throughout her life. Whether moving to a new community, learning to cook a new cuisine, or trying a new sport, LaVerne approached them all with a sense of adventure, and a commitment to making them her own.Services will be held at Skylawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 100 Lifemark Road, San Mateo (Hwy 92 at Skyline Blvd.) on Monday February 15th. Visitation and Memorial services at 10:00am, Committal Service at 12 noon followed by a reception at 1pm. Donations can be made to St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room of Palo Alto, CA where LaVerne liked to volunteer.
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