NORA LAVIN (RYDER)

Nora Ryder Lavin had a wonderful life. She left us on December 15, 2006. Nora’s husband, John J. Lavin, passed away in 1977. She leaves her daughter & son-in-law, Teri and Joel Pesapane of St. Louis, MO.; as well as her brother, Thomas Ryder and his wife Alice of Sun City, AZ.

Nora was born in Clinton on January 28, 1912. According to her, she had a charmed childhood surrounded by family that showered her with love. Nora attended schools in Worcester, St. Paul’s Cathedral Grade School, Classical High School, and Becker College of Business Administration & Secretarial Science (circa 1930).

Nora’s worklife was varied: she was a bookkeeper, a hairdresser, a real estate agent, and a sales consultant for Worcester County Memorial Park from which she retired.

Life was Nora’s true passion. She always gave 110% whether it was for her work, her family, her friends, or her associates. She volunteered for the Catholic Women’s Club in Worcester & also served as its President; she was active with the Altrusa Business Women’s Club and became its president. Nora was an Election Board poll supervisor for more than 30 years. She loved to travel, saying her bag was always packed. Cross country road trips, cruises, trips to Europe…Nora loved it all. Nora’s gift was always finding a way to have a good time and getting others to join in the fun.

Nora moved to St. Louis in 2001. Her love of life was apparent to all who were meeting her for the first time at age 89. The Pesapanes thank their friends for welcoming Nora into their lives. They also thank Nora’s many friends from around the country who stayed in touch with her. Her vitality and spirit will be missed.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in February. Memorial contributions preferred to The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis, 9450 Manchester Rd., Suite 206, St. Louis, MO. 63119.