She was born on November 13, 1933 in Brownsville, PA to Raymond and Laverna Livingston. A daddy's girl and the eldest of 9 siblings, she attended Cumberland School in Carmichaels. For nearly 40 years, she proudly owned and operated Lavern’s Restaurant. Becoming a staple of the community, she influenced many lives along the way, creating a work environment where employees became like family.
Always one to join in on the fun, she loved riding dirt bikes with her boys when she was younger. Their neighborhood rides actually prompted a confused neighbor to mistake them for a worrisome biker gang! The mix-up fueled years of family jokes and anecdotes. In later years, Lavern enjoyed great fun and friendship with her Red Hat Society ladies.
Lavern was a fierce defender of the underdog and the ultimate protector of her family. While she could be a formidable force, that strength was beautifully balanced by her deeply loving heart, razor-sharp wit, and wicked sense of humor. To know her was to be challenged, loved, and thoroughly entertained, leaving an unforgettable mark on us all.
She is survived by her children, Marlene Young, William Thistlethwaite, John Thistlethwaite, Donna Iacona, Ray Thistlethwaite (Sharon), Michael Thistlethwaite (Kathleen), and Barry Thistlethwaite; 14 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Wednesday, September 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service on Thursday, October 1 at 11 a.m. at Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Rd., Jefferson, PA 15344; burial to follow at Greene County Memorial Park.
