Contributions to the tribute of Leslie K. Lavelle

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Michael uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, May 9, 2020

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Michael posted a condolence

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Mom, From growing up until this last day to be with you. I am humbled to be at your side as God reached down to take our place and guide you to his kingdom to be with your husband, family and friends. I thought I would write you a poem; but who could make the words flow more poetically other than you. Sharing our times of packing up the Pop-up and heading out to our next adventures from all around PA to as far out west as Kentucky Lake. I am your handful as you didn't know about my run in with the Water Moccasin while using a bottle cap, until recently, while in KY. Our summers at Camp Firefly were very memorable. Especially when Robbie took the blame and drove Black Bart down the drive from the dining hall. When in fact it was this handful kid messing around with the shifter and putting it into reverse. Thank goodness for the bushes at the bottom of the road, otherwise we'd all have been swimming in the pool, Black Bart and all. And the time when Dad, Dave and I were hiking down to a clearing by the river to go fishing, Dave successfully hooked into my knee and thought he hooked a tree as he yanked and yanked. Thanks Dad for de-hooking me! I am trying to celebrate your life as much as I can right now. You are missed horribly I let you know. Your hard work and dedication I remember as you would shut the bedroom door to study hard for successfully earning your RN. Dad would always tell us I am leaving and going to get your mother from the hospital as your shift ended at 11:00pm and return home with you at his side; religiously. Sundays. Oh the dreaded Sundays and heading to your mom and dad's for Sunday dinner in Wayne, PA. Those dreaded Sundays are some of the best memories of Grandma, Aunt Maryland and you laughing hysterically. I still hear the three of you... Watching the slides together of holidays past while huddled together on the living room floor. Thanksgiving dinners and all of us seated at Grandpa's table as he carved up the most beautiful turkey one could feast their eyes on from Grandma's oven. And the awful black eyed peas! Yuck! It was fun running around with my cousins and exploring G'ma and G'pa's house and yard. Thank you for those Sunday memories. Then having our western side of the family visit from Dad's side of the family. And how you would open the house and bedrooms for them to come and stay as they traveled from Chicago, IL. The summers in our backyard and badminton were always a hit. And the food. Again the food, we ate good. Our turn to travel now to visit Uncle Gene and Aunt Jo Ann. Visiting our cousins in IL. was so much fun. Visiting the Sears Tower was always my favorite. Enter your grandkids now. From allowing us to be sheltered under your roof through a difficult time in all of our lives. The good was Dad and you having great times and memories as Lea and Michael grew. Helping with their homework and participating with school events. Being involved in school plays and musicals. And trudging the kids to their respective softball and baseball practices and games. Awesome times in our lives. Oh yes, some very cherished memories of Duck Harbor. Taking your Dee out for a gallop through the countryside with you in the saddle and following Onyx with David at his helm, or so he thinks. All the while I had which ever horse was left and I was just as happy to be in a saddle. Dee was so good at training Lea and Michael how to ride and care for a horse afterwards. Fantastic times we shared. I only wish I had been there for Dad and his horse Seamus. Lea and you would go together up to the mountain house one week and Michael the next for Grandma special times. You showed your grandkids how to have a good time whether fishing, swimming, mountain breakfasts and dinners. And don't forget the marshmallows for when we sit around the campfire. You were always there and making sure that all of us were taken care of so we could keep going on more adventures. Reliable, loving and dedicated. Keeping Dad company with the help of Aunt Jan as his last days came to an end. Mom there are not many people's who could stead fast the way you do. Beth will always run a close second and will always admire her. I am very happy she became part of your family and the admiration you both shared. Sharing our Christmases together I will miss most of all. As this was when all of your family came to your house together and rejoice with cheer. Opening our gifts, one by one, while sitting in a circle in your living room. Making this family event last all day long. Your beautiful tree will never have the decorative touch as your hand had on it while trimming the tree. My decorating your house just won't be the same because the surprise you had coming home from Thanksgiving and exchanging gifts in IL. will no longer be there for you to see. Tracey is a Godsend and an awesome daughter in law. To the latter of our journey and our lunches together; thank you for keeping me company. And our small get togethers with David and I to help you with Dad's pond, open and close the pool or to shovel the snow. I didn't know this last trip by ambulance was going to be your last one. I am sorry I didn't know what was ailing you. I wish I could've taken the pain and suffering for you. We are all very fortunate that the last days of your existence were with your family, and in your own bedroom, with us at your side. Give Robbie, Duffy, Molly, Max, Zachary, Casey, Selena, Missy and Benjamin a pat on their heads and belly rubs from me. To you both Mom and Dad. I love you always. Thank you for making my life an awesome life. Thank you for taking care of your family. You both are missed. Mom, thank you for you warm smiles, your infectious laugh and your warm loving care. I will miss your goodbye waves from your front door as I drive away. Goodbye Mom. Love always! Michael James

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Magda posted a condolence

Friday, May 8, 2020

I got to know Leslie briefly in the past month. She had such a good sense of humor and so much wit! Her love for her family was evident. When I asked her how she got into horseback riding, she said that God outdid Himself when he made them and that He must have put something extra into them. She thought they were beautiful. She will be missed! Magda Chacon

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Maryanne lit a candle

Thursday, May 7, 2020

I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner dates and long phone conversations with Aunt Leslie. She always made me feel so loved, and her concern and encouragement were so appreciated. I will miss her infectious laugh and her friendship. Rest in peace, Ant!

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Jeanne and Bob Walter posted a condolence

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Opening facebook this morning, I felt stunned to find an obituary for Leslie LaVelle. Bob and I have known Jim and Leslie for many year,s especially since their summer cottage at Duck Harbor, and where we lived and managed a horse farm for many years ,were very close to each other. The one horse pasture ran behind their cottage. Leslie often brought carrots which she fed over the fence to whichever horse occupied that pasture when she was there. As soon as they saw her, they knew who she was and that carrots had to be in her pocket. (All Duck Harbor horses loved their carrots) Jim and Leslie were also a single cottage away from Bob's aunt and uncle's cottage at the lake (Tessie and Larry Herzog) . We boarded a beautiful white horse of theirs, DEE, for a number of years. It was through the love of horses that we formed a horsey friendship and connection. For a few years, Jim no longer came up to the cottage in the summer, but Leslie did. Duck Harbor Road was still unpaved, and as you walked along, the trees on either side would form a cathedral like canopy to shade you as you walked along. A stream running from the woods ran under the road to the lake, and you could hear the gurgle as you got closer to it. Frogs loved the area and could be seen sitting on a rock or just eyes above the water in the stream. I remember one time during a cold winter at the lake, where the ice grew thick and even when it was still thin (we called it rubber ice) the ice fishermen would haul their fishing gear out on that wind blown lake and SIT and wait for a fish with their name on it to bite. Jim and Leslie had come up for a winter weekend, and as it grew dark one evening .... a knock came on their door. Apparently a couple young teenage boys had ridden snowmobiles out on the lake and one of them went through the ice near the shore. In the winter there are few if any cottages used by their owners, but there was a light on at Jim and Leslie's place. This one young man trudged to the edge of the lake, walked up the long driveway to the house with the light. He was shaking and v e r y cold when he knocked on the door. Jim let him inside and handed him a towel and some of his own warm clothing. It was then he said there was another guy down there at the lake as well. They were able to phone and reach the parents who lived a few miles away. The father showed up and yelled at the boy for losing the snowmobile in the lake and how were they supposed to retrieve it ..... both boys survived .... the snowmobile was eventual rescued. However, Jim never did get his clothes back from the child who had "borrowed" them that cold winter night. When we knew Leslie was at Duck Harbor, it was a good chance to go "do stuff together" . Sometimes it was a shared meal, or a day of going to local yard sales (thanks to the GPS), or just hanging out looking at the water. The horses were always a drawing card for both of us. Toward Christmas, we set up a time and date to meet at Old Country Buffet near Scranton - - about half way drive for both of us. Their buffet was filled with more food choices than you could fit on a plate, plus the dessert bar. Soooo good. It was a wonderful "catch up" time for all four of us and we lingered over our meal for as long as possible. When we left, we exchanged Christmas gifts and anticipated what might be inside come December 25th. : ) During the recent stay at home order due to Covid l9, I went on the internet and learned how to make face masks. There were several versions and it took awhile trying each one out to find what worked best for me. Made a list of people I thought might like to have one for when they left the house, and Leslie was certainly "on my list". Sadly, it was just about the end of April when I mailed it to her ... so it probably did not reach her before she went to be with Jesus in Heaven. (Sorry, Leslie. It was a pattern that resembled blue water - to give you good memories of being at Duck Harbor with friends) I hope one of her sons or grandchildren will be able to use it. I am so thankful to have known and enjoyed the friendship and companionship of both Jim and Leslie. They both are part of the fabric of my life (and Bob too). Very dear and fun and delightful friends. We would all be so fortunate to have known them in our journey on Earth. Our love to Jim and Leslie's family. We had no idea Leslie was ill or had a problem until seeing the notice on facebook. I will be mailing a card to the Lownes funeral home which will also contain our new address. Hoping they will be kind enough to forward it on to Michael and David LaVelle and their families. With love and hugs to all of you who also miss her so much ... Jeanne and Bob Walter `

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Joseph Perri lit a candle

Monday, May 4, 2020

May the Good Shepherd comfort your family as He leads your mom into His care.

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Kristen Heinlein (Cathy's daughter) planted a tree in memory of Leslie Lavelle

Monday, May 4, 2020

With loving memories of "Leslie Lavelle", Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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Jim lit a candle

Monday, May 4, 2020

When we were growing up (1960’s/70’s) we shared amazing holiday dinners together. I remember after the dinner was finished and the dishes were cleaned and put away , Aunt Leslie, Grandma, and my mom would sit around the kitchen table and tell stories and laugh and laugh and laugh. Most recently, I enjoyed meeting her for dinner in Lansdsle, Pa to catch up and laugh. I will miss her kind and supportive words, her amazing humor, and her infectious laugh!

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The family of Leslie K. Lavelle uploaded a photo

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Leslie K. Lavelle

1944 - 2020

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