LaVerne Louise Francis

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to John & Frances Lenarsic On June 1, 1934.. LaVerne was adored and nurtured by her grandmother and many of her aunts.  Her sister Beverly came 3 years later in 1937.

The family moved to Pomona during the war years and LaVerne sorely missed Ohio. So devoted to her inborn state, she dreamt of being a Buckeye. Her father (a machinist by trade) became employed in the aerospace industry, so the family followed by moving to North Hollywood where they would make it their new hometown. . She graduated from North Hollywood Jr. & Sr. High Schools. She attended Valley Jr. College where she was elected head song leader for the football team and homecoming princess. It was on to UCLA where she studied advertising art and was selected Jr. prom princess.

She met Bob, a USC medical student at the time, on a blind date in January 1954, but then didn’t connect again for another year. The occasion was a Valentine’s Day party and Cupid shined down on them as intense mutual interest and great chemistry erupted between them. They have been inseparable ever since. LaVerne transferred to USC and became an art education major and a proud Trojan.

LaVerne and Bob were married on June 30 1956 (63 years of marriage) at Valley Lutheran Church in North Hollywood a year later. They graduated together from USC with LaVerne receiving a BFA and Bob his cherished M.D.

The next year LaVerne taught art at Perry Jr. High School in Gardenia, while Bob completed his internship at LA County Hospital.  In September 1958, they moved to Rochester, Minnesota where Bob was awarded a Fellowship of medicine in the Mayo Clinic. Jim was born May 1960 and Diane, February 1962.

            Bob was commissioned a Captain in the Army Medical Corps and sent to Valley Forge General Hospital for 2 years. LaVerne loved their first home, sewing, oil painting, singing in the church choir and meeting many fascinating military families from so many walks of life.

Following discharge from the Army in June 1964, they moved to Fullerton, CA. Bob joined the newly formed Fullerton Internal Medical Clinic. Sharon was born in January 1967 and later came Michael, March 1971, both born at St. Jude Hospital. LaVerne enjoyed getting to know her new community, meeting new friends she would have for life. She was very active in church, singing in the church choir and as a soloist, decorating her new home, active in tennis, writing lyrics over existing melodies, play and skit writing, becoming a member of the Fullerton Assistance League, and volunteering at Bob & LaVerne’s children’s’ schools (Laguna Road, Zion Lutheran School & Lutheran High School of Orange County). She went back to school at Fullerton Junior College and studied computer graphics & greatly enjoyed creating invitations, programs & greeting cards. She also took vocal and drama classes at FJC and appeared in many musical productions. LaVerne also enjoyed reading novels, daily devotions & her bible, European history, old movies, musicals, puzzles, tennis, golf and taking long walks. LaVerne and Bob were adventurous travelers together enjoying trips to all the states, Europe and Asia. They traveled with the USC Football team for several seasons from the 70’s to the early 90’s.

LaVerne supported Trojan League of Orange County for many years and was the Benefit Chair two times and then as President. She served on the Alumni Coordinating Council in many roles and eventually as Chairman. She has won the Alumni Presidents Award and Widney Alumni House Award as well. She cherished her University and the opportunity to serve it with many other loyal Trojans.

          LaVerne greatly loved all of her 7 grandchildren (Jason, Danielle, Kathryn, Shane, Jacob, Vanessa and Amanda) and felt very close to each of them. They all called her Nana and immensely adored her. She always had a radiant smile on her face and a cheerful attitude. This reflected her inner joy, peace and love for the Lord.

Thanks for the memories LaVerne, Mom, and Nana 

We can’t wait to see you again in Heaven!