Leona J. Gavin age 86 of Metamora passed away at 4:48am Saturday March 6, 2010 at Snyder Village in Metamora. She was born July 27, 1923 in Evanston Illinois to Edward and Minnie Brandt. She married Albert “Peter” Gavin July 20,1946 in Evanston Illinois. He survives.
Surviving are her children Michael (Gloria) Gavin of Argentona Spain, Nancy (Dan) Rybaski of Lindon Station Wisconsin, Joan (Dave) Brown of Paris Il, Marcia (Jim) Kaplan of Lisle Il, Mary (Dan) Faust of Shelton Washington, and Dan (Lisa) Gavin of Brimfield. Son-in-law Waldo Goff of Crawford Nebraska. Leona is also survived by 20 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Carol Goff.
Leona was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always loved cooking for her family and trying new recipes. Her other hobbies included reading, boating, playing bridge, walking, and playing the piano. She also was an avid scrabble player, and passed her love of playing the game on to all her children. Leona was a member of the Metamora Women’s Club and also really enjoyed playing bridge with her husband and other residents at Snyder Village.
After spending many years in Downers Grove, IL, raising her family, Leona was blessed to spend 18 of retirement years in Arkansas on the beautiful Bull Shoals Lake with her husband. Many gatherings and vacations were enjoyed there by all of her family. She and her husband have most recently enjoyed five years at Snyder Village in Metamora. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Leona’s family would like to acknowledge and thank all of the caring staff at Snyder Village and OSF Hospice for their loving care of her during her recent illness. The prayers and support of all family and friends are also greatly appreciated.
A Funeral Mass will be at 12:00pm Saturday March 13, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Metamora. Father Don Roszkowski officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until service time at the Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Snyder Village. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com