Lorraine I. LaVigne

Lorraine Isabel LaVigne, age 96, of Grand Rapids, was called home on January 30, 2021 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lana Thome; husband, Charlie, and son, Stephen; sisters, Arlene Schab, Evelyn Becker; brothers, Gerald, Edwin, and Norman Thome. She is survived by her children; Gregory (Janice) LaVigne, Laurie (Doug) Haan, Lana (Jerry) Zawistowski, Lisa (Mark) Karis; grandchildren, Jackie Gravelyn, Phillip Haan, Jessica Mitchell, Matthew Haan, Nick, Tara, and Rachel Zawistowski, Allison Harrington, Brandon Karis, Britney Karis and 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Thome and several nieces and nephews. She was born February 1, 1924 in Alpine Township and raised on the family farm. She graduated from Comstock Park High School and then attended Haney Business School achieving a clerical degree. On October 5, 1947, she and Charlie were married and celebrated 43 years together before his death in 1990. Together they raised 5 children.

Her life was one of service. She was devoted to her children, grandchildren, church, and friends. Although she had a clerical degree and worked at the Kent County Road Commission before marriage, she chose to stay at home and raise her children full time. Her first born had special needs and she cared selflessly for him all his life. She worked on parent advisory committees to first build Lincoln School when he was a child and later an adult foster care home with the Catholic Diocese.

She was meticulous in everything she did including being an amazing cook, seamstress, homemaker, and baker. The way she served others was volunteering with Meals on Wheels, working on the funeral lunch committee at church, visiting shut-ins, and providing meals for neighbors and friends. Throughout her life she was an avid reader, played Bridge, worked puzzles, walked routinely, and learned new skills later in life such as refinishing furniture and quilting. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Please visit her memorial website at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com to join the Livestream Service. Family only services include The Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church beginning at 1pm with Rev. George Darling as Celebrant and family only Visitation from 12 noon to 1pm. A public celebration of her life will be held in the Summer of 2021.

Please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Lorraine to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Lincoln School, or Kindred Hospice.