MOUNT MORRIS – Geraldine Francis Lamm LeVar, “Geri,” age 87, life -long resident of Mount Morris, died Friday, July 6, 2018 in that town she loved best.
She was born Sept. 16, 1930 in Oregon, to Gerald and Edna (Jones) Lamm.
She was fortunate to have 5 siblings: brothers Donald (Linda) Lamm, Dennis Lamm, David Lamm; sisters Sharon (David) Cinotto and Susan (Michael) Klaas. She attended school in Mount Morris, graduating from Mount Morris High school in 1948 and then from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing, Rockford, in 1951.
She married Kenneth John LeVar on April 14, 1951. Together, they had 5 children: Cathy (Rick Roberts) LeVar, Cindy (Pat) Farrell, Mary LeVar, K.C. LeVar and Christopher LeVar. Many happy years were spent in their little home on Barbara Street. They were blessed with 4 grandchildren: Gregory Yocum, Joseph (Missy Cribbs) Yocum, Ashley LeVar, Taylor LeVar.
Geri was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oregon, where she married her love, Ken, and baptized all of her children.
Her chosen calling was Nursing. She was employed by Mount Morris Family Clinic for 10 years and by Pinecrest Manor for 22 years, retiring in 1992. She is remembered as a loving and caring nurse, as well as teacher, to many in the Mount Morris area. After retirement, she was a volunteer and board member for the Ogle County Hospice. She worked many years to raise funds for the construction of Serenity House, Oregon. She also volunteered at Pinecrest Manor and Angel Treasures. She was passionate about long term care and end of life care.
Geri had many, many friends. She loved having picnics on the Fourth of July, Family holiday dinners, and parties on the patio. She never met a Manhattan she didn’t like!
She is survived by her daughters, Cindy and Mary; brother and sisters, Don, Sharon, Sue and their spouses Linda, Dave and Mike; Brother-in-law John (Nancy) LeVar; Grandchildren, Greg, Joe, Ashley and Taylor; many nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by Ken, her husband of 45 years; her parents, Gerald and Edna; In Laws, Dorothy and John LeVar; Brothers, David and Dennis; Children, Cathy, Christopher and K.C.; and long-time friend, Sam Thomas.
Services were held on Friday July 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon. A private, family burial be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Oregon. A reception will follow mass in the church basement. Finch Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations can be made to the Serenity House/Ogle County Hospice, Oregon; or Pinecrest Community, 414 Wesley Ave., Mount Morris, IL 61054.
The family wishes to thank Pinecrest Nurses and staff, Ogle County Hospice, Rob Rydzinski, DO, and Pat Nordman, NP.
*Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend, Nurse*
