Herald Journal Publishing

Publisher of Herald Journal, Dassel-Cokato Enterprise Dispatch, Delano Herald Journal, McLeod County Chronicle, Arlington Enterprise, & West Carver News

Laverne M. Swan Obituary – 8/30/2014


Laverne Mary (Jolicoeur) Swan, age 94, of California, formerly of Waverly, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at her daughter’s home in Colfax, CA.

She was born March 7, 1920, in Waverly, to Mary Helen (Libor) and Francis Jolicoeur.

Laverne was a long-time resident of Sacramento, CA, where she provided over 15 years of foster care for babies through both the County of Sacramento Children’s Services, and Catholic Welfare.

Laverne served in the Women’s Army Corps in Fort Leavenworth, KS during World War II.

Although she was missing part of one finger, she crocheted and donated 20 to 30 beautiful baby afghans each year to be given to needy families through her local parish.

Laverne enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, crocheting and knitting, working crossword puzzles, and watching figure skating and football.

She was a devout Catholic and rarely missed Holy Days of Obligation or Sunday services. She also provided transportation for Catholic friends who were unable to drive or get rides to church.

For several years, Laverne and a friend provided meals from their own resources to help feed the homeless population in Sacramento, CA. They did this once or twice a week as their health permitted.

Laverne is survived by her children: Mary Ellen Houser and husband Bert, of Colfax, CA, and Thomas Anthony Swan and wife Janet, of Webb City, MO; grandchildren Jamie Houser, of Colfax CA, and Daniel Houser, of San Diego, CA; brother Richard Jolicoeur and wife Bernice, of Mound; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, step-children, step-grandchildren, and other friends and relatives

She was preceded in death by three brothers; Raymond, Robert, and Elmer, all of Minnesota.

Memorial services took place Friday, Oct. 10 at the Iten Funeral Chapel in Delano, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Inurnment was in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Waverly.

Arrangements were handled by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.