LaVearn V Gomez

LaVearn Violet Gomez first graced this world with her presence on February 2, 1949. The daughter of Michael and Julia Soma Gomez, she was born and raised in Youngstown. She attended St Peter & Paul School and Austintown Fitch High School, and was a graduate of Youngstown State University, where she was an active member of the Newman Center. She was also involved with the Happy Heart Tamburitzans and the St. George Croatian Center, and was a Master Gardener with Fellows Riverside Gardens. LaVearn taught history at the St. Charles School and later at the Mahoning County Joint Vocational School. Affectionately known as “Kuma” or “Lolly,” she had an outrageous sense of humor and was a deeply caring and generous person. Her love of cats, mermaids, flowers, and every shade of purple was evident in her home.

LaVearn passed away on March 27. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Ray and Carol. She is survived by several nieces and nephews including  Nicolas and Danielle Prontka, numerous cousins, many, many dear friends, and her godchildren Matthew, Jason, and Tyler Rudawsky, David Slanina, and Erin Kane, as well as great-godchildren Alexandra, Hailey, and Chase Rudawsky, whom she loved as her own. Calling hours will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, March 31 at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home. A 9:30 am service at the funeral home on Monday, April 1 will be followed by a 10:00 am Mass at St. Peter & Paul Church on Covington Street.  In LaVearn's memory, everyone is encouraged to wear purple.  
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens at MillCreek Park. https://friendsoffellows.org or to Hospice of the Valley.  

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