Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rose Rita Pinto Lavonis

Dec. 30, 1914 - Oct. 27, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/2/2008
SOUTH BEND - Rose Rita Pinto Lavonis, 93, formerly of Mt. Holly, NJ and a resident of St. Paul's Retirement Community in South Bend, IN died on Monday, October 27, 2008 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Sister Margie Lavonis, C.S.C., of St. Mary's, Notre Dame; son, William Lavonis, a Professor of Music in Milwaukee; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; her sisters Virginia Payne of Dallas,TX and Dolores Barbarick of Napa, CA. Rose was preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 62 years, daughter, Rosalie James of Pennsylvania, her parents and brother Eugene Pinto of Philadelphia. Born in Philadelphia on December 30, 1914 to James and Mildred Marsico Pinto, Rose attended elementary school at St. Monica's and West Catholic Girl's High School. Employed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Rose also lived in Washington DC before she married US Army Sergeant William Lavonis on April 18, 1942. After a number of years of Army life, the couple settled with their family in Mt. Holly, NJ, where they resided for 45 years before moving to St. Paul's Retirement Community to be nearer their remaining daughter and son. Rose was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Mt. Holly, serving faithfully on the Altar and Rosary Society, the Legion of Mary and was a Eucharistic Minister. She had a great love for food, gardening, reading, history, travel and the arts--and what a sense of humor! She bowled until her 80s, painted, and rode her stationary bike every day. Her greatest dream came true when her family took her on a seven- day Alaskan cruise in August 2008. Mom, we will miss you terribly!