Dorlene Alice LaVanway

On Friday March 26, 2021, Dorlene A LaVanway, loving mother of four passed away at the age of 94. She was born on January 24, 1927 in Sawyer, Michigan to William and Marie (Borhauer) Dudas. After graduating from Benton Harbor High school, Dorlene visited Florida before returning and settling in Chicago where she worked as a bank teller. In 1955, she married her high school sweetheart Neal B. LaVanway. They had four children together, Michael, Thomas, James,and Patricia. She lived in Elk Grove Village IL until 1986 when she followed her sons to Chandler AZ to enjoy the sunshine.

Dorlene was a strong and independent woman who was active in Republican women’s organizations and always involved in the lives of her family. She loved to travel and was eager to try new experiences. From 4- wheeling in the sand dunes to riding a camel in Egypt, everything was possible. She inspired her children and grandchildren with the confidence to try new things.

She loved decorating her home with memories of her travels and everything floral. Her little dog Pumpkin was her faithful companion for 15 years and often rode shotgun in her little white convertible.

Dorlene was preceded in death by her husband Neal, her son Michael, and her three brothers William, Richard, and Joseph Dudas. She is survived by her sons Thomas and James LaVanway, and daughter Patricia LaVanway Cox; grandchildren Sarah Barnes, Conner LaVanway, Kyle LaVanway, Jason Cox, John LaVanway, Jamie LaVanway, Ryan Cox, Luke (Lucas) LaVanway, Jake LaVanway, Alex Cox; and 7 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Green Acres cemetery, 401 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale AZ 85257 with visitation at 12:00 and funeral service at 1:00. The service will also be streamed live on Facebook.