Hazel Jean LaVanway
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Hazel Jean LaVanway

  • March 31, 1926 - December 29, 2011
  • Portage and, Michigan
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Memories & Candles

“Lonna: My sincere sympathy to you and your family at the death of your step-mom. At this time of your earthly sorrow, remember those wonderful...Read More » ”
1 of 5 | Posted by: (Rev) Bob Burke - Oak Park, IL

“Aunt Jean was allways nice to me. I can remember when my brother and I were kids she sent Christmas gifts to us. That was just one of many good...Read More » ”
2 of 5 | Posted by: Larry Shirley - Sunnyvale, CA

“Lynn, We were so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. ”
3 of 5 | Posted by: Rich & Linda Santoni - Kalamazoo, MI

“Jean, I will look to the clouds and know you are in heaven looking down on us. You were like a grandma to me and so loving to Reese and Landon. We...Read More » ”
4 of 5 | Posted by: Jamie Angelo-Miller - Portage, MI

“I am so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ”
5 of 5 | Posted by: Kathy Thayer - tampa, FL - friend


Hazel Jean LaVanway, 85, of Portage and formerly of Coloma, passed away, Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Dussia House Assisted Living in Plainwell.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Lon Bouma officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Southern Care Hospice-Kalamazoo or the Veterans of Foreign War. Those wishing to sign Hazel's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Hazel was born March 31, 1926 in Three Oaks, Michigan to Milford & Anna (Grose) Shirley. On September 1, 1950, she married Leighton Leslie LaVanway in Benton Harbor. Together, she and Leighton owned & operated Lite's Lite Lunch in Benton Heights for twenty-five plus years. Hazel was a former member of both the Coloma & Portage Senior Citizen Centers. She enjoyed traveling the country with her family & friends.

Hazel is survived by her son Lynn LaVanway of Portage; her step-daughter Lonna (Les) Collins of St. Joseph; four grandchildren-Jennifer LaVanway, Erin (Aaron) Stauffer, David (Theresa) Genovese, Brett Genovese; three great-grandchildren-Kadence Jennett, Ava & Boden Genovese; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leighton on November 22, 1984, and two brothers-Lawrence & Kenneth Shirley.