Evelyn Ann Laverne

Evelyn Ann LaVerne departed her earthly life on December 17, 2021 at the age of 95 with her daughter by her side.

Evelyn was one of seven children born to Leonard and Evelyn (Mulligan) Mertell and grew up primarily in the Clay area. Her family experienced all the struggles of those who lived during the Great Depression. She would tell stories of onion sandwiches and huddling in bed with several of her sisters to keep warm at night.

If there are two defining descriptors of Evelyn's life, they are faith and family.

Evelyn met the love of her life, Angelo, while the two of them worked at the Kallet Drive-In. They were married in 1948 and enjoyed 70 years of marriage until Angelo's death in 2019. They raised five children in a modest home in North Syracuse, on a beautiful tree-lined street that provided plenty of opportunity for her young family to grow up with friends just doors away, enjoying all that large yards and good friends offer. Evelyn was the quintessential "Kool-Aid Mom" in the neighborhood. While her cookies and cakes were devoured almost immediately by her family, it was her signature potato salad that was always a request and a hit when bringing a dish to pass at parties and gatherings. Holiday and birthday celebrations were revered by Evelyn. There was always a centerpiece she created on the table for every holiday…one of her most creative being a log cabin to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday crafted out of the brown ribbed insert cookies were packaged in.
Once her children were in school, Evelyn sought part-time work and was in the groundbreaking first group of women hired by the Panos brothers at McDonald's in the late 60's. Subsequent to McDonald's, she worked at Nationwide Insurance for several years.
Evelyn was deeply devoted to her Catholic religion, a devotion rooted in her upbringing. She belonged to St. Rose of Lima Church where she had served with the Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Columbiettes, the women's auxiliary to the Knights of Columbus Angelo belonged to. If there was such a thing as the Millionth Rosary Society, she would have been a stellar member.
In addition to her husband Angelo and her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her siblings: Leonard and Charles Mertell, Louise Dishaw, Eileen Archambeau and Marilyn Root; and her son-in-law, Douglas Seamans.
She is survived by her sons, Dominick (Cheryl) LaVerne, James (Dale) LaVerne and Michael (Patricia) LaVerne; daughters, Darlene Seamans and Mary Lou (Charles) Gaetano. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye: Stephanie, Sarah, Jake, Andrew, Angela, Nicole, Gina, Erica, Allison, Kaitlyn, Kim, Michael, Mandi, Monica and Melonie; and she was a loving great-grandmother many times over. Evelyn is also survived by her sister, Florence Warren and several nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thank you to all those who embraced Evelyn's care with compassion and kindness over the past several years at Buckley Landing, The Heritage and Loretto Health and Rehabilitation. The past year of Covid was especially difficult and her family expresses a special "God Bless You, Thank You" (as Evelyn would say whenever anyone showed even the smallest kindness to her) to Lahtayvia at Loretto for making her feel the love every day when her family had to be absent physically from her life.

Due to Covid concerns, services will be private. Contributions may be made in Evelyn's memory to The Loretto Foundation, 700 East Brighton Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13205.

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