Margaret Elnora Lavelle

Margaret Elnora LaVelle was born in Akron, Ohio on October 25, 1917 to Helen and Clyde Sullenbarger and completed her life in Phoenix, Arizona on June 21, 2011. As a young girl growing up during the Great Depression, Margaret learned the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. She moved to Phoenix from Dayton, Ohio in 1944, when Camelback Road was "out in the country." While raising two young children she was actively involved with her husband's businesses, operating soda fountains and lunch counters in downtown Phoenix and later a chain of hamburger restaurants called 'Lucky Boy'. In her early days she was an adept seamstress, having learned the French methods of couture. She fashioned costumes for the stage and her elaborate work was seen on Las Vegas dancers and showgirls. Margaret began working as a secretary at the Arizona State Department in the early 1960's and, while working, began attending college night-classes at the age of fifty. She obtained degrees in early childhood development and education, becoming the first person in her family to attend college. After obtaining her college degree, she began her teaching career at Cortez High School and was a mentor and guide to many students. She was instrumental in creating the visionary Arizona Vocational Training program with the state, which placed senior high school students in 'on the job training.' Many students were enriched by this program and became successful in various fields due to her tireless work and continued to stay in touch with her over many years. As a result of her achievements and dedication to her students, Margaret was acknowledged in 1977 when she was named Arizona State Teacher of The Year and was also nominated for National Teacher of the Year. Margaret also taught Early Childhood Development at Phoenix Community College and upon retiring from teaching she became a volunteer mediator for state organizations and subsequently opened a business as an independent mediator, specializing in divorce and child custody. She was a natural peacemaker and resolved conflicts in the most difficult of situations. Margaret had a quick wit and impeccable ethics. Her compassion and genuine affection for people was apparent throughout her life and relationships. She had a broad interest in humanity that led her to travel the world, from remote mountain villages in Indonesia, to Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and the deserts of Egypt. As an educator at heart, she had a lifelong interest in art, history and literature and continued to learn and expand her knowledge throughout her long life. At age 90 she began supporting the cause of orphans and widows in Africa through the Great Hearts Afire Foundation. Her legacy as an educator is being carried on there through the Bright Heart educational program which teaches children to become peacemakers. Margaret is survived by her daughter Haydn Anthony (Sam Sprague), son Doit Miller (Julia), grandchildren Dean Anthony, Jerome Anthony, and Dori Marinakis (Bill), great- grandchildren Bradley and Danielle Marinakis, and special family friend Karen Ritchlin.