Lois Jewell LaVia
April 29, 2016
Lois Jewell LaVia, 90, was born September 12, 1925 in Des Moines, the daughter of Herschel and Ova Marie Zimmerman. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Friday, April 29, 2016 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
In her younger years she enjoyed entertaining with her two sisters through music and dance. She had a passion for crocheting and enjoyed giving her finished work to others. She was a Homemaker, a wonderful mother of 9 children, and an avid Hawkeyes fan. Lois was a graduate of North High School and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
Lois is survived by her children, Attanasio LaVia, Cindy LaVia (daughter-in-law), Angie (Butch) Rodenkirk, Nanette LaVia, Lucretia Cheatham, Vanessa (Jim) Farrell, Melissa (Steve) Sents, Matthew LaVia, and David LaVia; 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Tony LaVia; son, Chris LaVia; companion, Paul Kordick; and sisters, Vicki Zimmerman and Betty Watson.
The family would like to thank her caregivers and the staff at Mercy Hospice for their compassion and loving support of our mother.
Lois will be loved and missed by all those who were blessed to have known her.
Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave in Des Moines, with inurnment at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening at Hamilton’s Near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave in Des Moines, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to National Down Syndrome Society, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, or Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Bussone and Wint Znerold
05/05/2016
You are in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you strength and love in memories of your beautiful mother.
My mom, Gwen Znerold, and your mom were in rehab together at Wesley Acres a couple years ago. They sat at the same dining table. Your mom was so kind and loving. My mom and dad were very fond of Lois and appreciative of her kindness. She was a very special lady. Lois made a huge impact on us and my dad and I can only imagine the impact she had on her family and friends.
God bless
JIM HAY, TIM, WING & OTIS
05/04/2016
We are at such a loss for losing such a wonderful friend. It was more than a privilege to have known her and to have laughed with her and to have had her call me #10! We did laugh a lot over the past year and she loved WING so much. While we will all miss her and right now feel an empty void, we will be looked over by her forever. She will always be with us. My condolences to her family and my special thanks for letting me be a part of yours. JDHII
Debbie
05/04/2016
Tony, Tina & Little Chris ~ we are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts at this time.
Lori, Robbie & Debbie Bird
Cynthia Larson
05/04/2016
I am sorry for your loss. I am holding you all in my thoughts and my heart during this difficult time.
Don Huffy
05/03/2016
Tony my friend. Your Mom was a beautiful and gracious person and having nine children...a Saint. I am very sorry for your loss. God bless.
Evie Bisanti
05/03/2016
Angie, your Mom was a beautiful woman and I know you will miss her. My prayers are with you.
Jane Beebe
05/02/2016
Lucretia: So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Amy Spangler/Crest Services
05/02/2016
We're very sorry about your loss and sharing in your sorrow.
melissa Farnsworth Stewart
05/02/2016
so sorry for your loss, lois was a very sweet woman
Lisa Leslie
05/02/2016
My Aunt Lois lived in a time when public education was exclusive,
a time when state assistance was limited, and a time when
human differences were not embraced. When she had Matthew, he was in need of an
extraordinary kind of parent. She spent over half her life
as his voice, his teacher, his caregiver, his cook, his driver, and
his cheerleader. God must have chosen her because of her tenderness, strength, and patience. There is a special wing in heaven for selfless
mothers like my aunt who have children who require so much time, warmth and persistence. My sympathy to those who knew and loved her as I did.
Paulette Steinbach Ihrig
05/01/2016
My deepest sympathy. Many happy memories growing up. She had her hands full with children but was always willing to take on one more. Best Italian Anisette Cookies Ever! Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.