As I write this I am still in shock that Laverne is gone. I just heard this week that she left 9 years ago and only lived in the next town over. I would like to say how special she was. Growing up, Laverne lived a few blocks from where I did during elementary school. We must have been in some of the same programs ( like Brownies), because I remember her so well. She was small and friendly and always interested in being involved. She had a lot to offer.We must have played together too as children because I remember birthday parties with her and her mother there.
I do not remember seeing her in high school so much, but I will be forever grateful for her professional help when my mother at age 90, healthy and active, developed macro-degeneration in her eyes. She was struggling so much more than I realized at that time. When I called there for help with my mother's living skills, Laverne suddenly appeared at my mother's home to offer help. She was very experienced and knowledgable in teaching how to manage daily activities without sight. She spent several hours coaching my mother on how to fold her money so that she could tell one dollar bills from 5's and tens; and many many other daily hints for surviving in a seeing world. Her patience and caring was wonderful and of course, my mother, who could still see somewhat, remembered Laverne and her mom from our earlier days. It was cathartic for us all and this was probably only 2 or 3 years before they each died.
So, when I remember Laverne, it is never without affection and gratitude for her friendship and her kindness.We never know what life will bring.
Thank you for sharing this Judy. When I went to our first MHS reunion I remember going over to Laverne and talking to her. She said "I can't see you Cheryl, but I know it's you because I remember your voice. I am blind.
It broke my heart.
She was so kind and loving and a good friend of mine in high school. Laverne was a good person and I'm so grateful that she was in my life.
I walked to school with Lavern every morning during high school and enjoyed being with her. I am sorry to hear this 9 years later, I have always wondered what became of her, I knew she was a teacher in Philadelphia, but had to give it up because of her blindness, from diabetes . Also played field hockey with Lavern, also in home room together. Lavern and I got along very well, had nice conversations. I didn't know she had lived close.
I too am sorry to learn of Laverne's passing. I remember seeing her at swim meets and being very active in sports and school programs. She was warm and friendly and good friends of my late sister Barbara Munson Stiles. Apparently, Laverne might have been an occpational therapist from what Judith said regarding help for her mother. Don
Judith L. Taylor (MacMillan)
As I write this I am still in shock that Laverne is gone. I just heard this week that she left 9 years ago and only lived in the next town over. I would like to say how special she was. Growing up, Laverne lived a few blocks from where I did during elementary school. We must have been in some of the same programs ( like Brownies), because I remember her so well. She was small and friendly and always interested in being involved. She had a lot to offer.We must have played together too as children because I remember birthday parties with her and her mother there.
I do not remember seeing her in high school so much, but I will be forever grateful for her professional help when my mother at age 90, healthy and active, developed macro-degeneration in her eyes. She was struggling so much more than I realized at that time. When I called there for help with my mother's living skills, Laverne suddenly appeared at my mother's home to offer help. She was very experienced and knowledgable in teaching how to manage daily activities without sight. She spent several hours coaching my mother on how to fold her money so that she could tell one dollar bills from 5's and tens; and many many other daily hints for surviving in a seeing world. Her patience and caring was wonderful and of course, my mother, who could still see somewhat, remembered Laverne and her mom from our earlier days. It was cathartic for us all and this was probably only 2 or 3 years before they each died.
So, when I remember Laverne, it is never without affection and gratitude for her friendship and her kindness.We never know what life will bring.
Cheryl L. Gibbons (Bartholomew, PhD)
Thank you for sharing this Judy. When I went to our first MHS reunion I remember going over to Laverne and talking to her. She said "I can't see you Cheryl, but I know it's you because I remember your voice. I am blind.
It broke my heart.
She was so kind and loving and a good friend of mine in high school. Laverne was a good person and I'm so grateful that she was in my life.
Sending love, Cheryl
Dale C. Ellis (Hocking)
I walked to school with Lavern every morning during high school and enjoyed being with her. I am sorry to hear this 9 years later, I have always wondered what became of her, I knew she was a teacher in Philadelphia, but had to give it up because of her blindness, from diabetes . Also played field hockey with Lavern, also in home room together. Lavern and I got along very well, had nice conversations. I didn't know she had lived close.
Dale Ellis Hocking
William H. (Bill) Laubenstein, III
Leverne is one classmate we all remember fondliy. Such a lovely person and a blassing for all who knew her.
Bill
Donald Munson
I too am sorry to learn of Laverne's passing. I remember seeing her at swim meets and being very active in sports and school programs. She was warm and friendly and good friends of my late sister Barbara Munson Stiles. Apparently, Laverne might have been an occpational therapist from what Judith said regarding help for her mother. Don