Gladys (Williams) Lavery

Gladys W. Lavery, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning May 18, 2016 in the Heritage Valley Health System in Beaver, PA following a period of declining health.  She was ninety-two years old.

She was born in Oil City, PA on June 1, 1923 a daughter of the late R.O. “Baldy” and Louise (Nichols) Williams.   

She was a 1940 graduate of Franklin High School and went on to marry her sweetheart Richard G. Lavery on April 7, 1947.  Gladys was a devoted mother and homemaker to her family and had supported the family after World War II while her husband completed his degree and CPA certification.  In 1975 after the children were raised she received a degree from Penn State in computer science, Gladys then worked in the computer systems department for First National Bank in Hermitage before retiring in 1987.

Gladys was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sharon where she had been involved in many church activities over the years.  She was a member of the League of Women Voters where she had served as Treasurer.  She was past president of the Shenango Valley Jr. Women’s Club and had performed in the Follies during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

She will be sadly missed by her son John R. Lavery and his wife Theresa of Mission Viejo, CA; daughter Kay Johnston of Beaver, PA; six grandchildren Amy Hartle (Fiancé Joe Noah) of Beaver, PA, Jamie (Steve) Dahlke of Delaware, OH, Kate (Michael) Bayer of Hermitage, PA, Michael Lavery of Tustin, CA, Carrie (Jeff) Ondrusek of Beaver Falls, PA, and Christopher (Stephanie) Lavery of Irvine, CA; as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Lavery was preceded in death by her husband Richard on May 29, 2007, her son-in-law Robert Johnston, and by her sister Isabelle Coe.

Friends may call on Sunday evening May 22, 2016 from 4-8:00PM at the Sample- O'Donnell Funeral Home at 555 East State Street in Sharon, PA

Funeral services will be held on Monday morning beginning at 11:00AM at the funeral home with Rev. Adam T. Trambley officiating.

Burial will take place at America’s Cemetery in Hermitage.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to Episcopal Community Services care of St. John’s Episcopal Church 226 W State St, Sharon, PA 16146.

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