Obituary

Virginia M. Lavan (“Ginny”), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend, passed away on May 28, 2024 at 97 years old. Ginny resided in Mission Viejo, California since 1979.

Ginny is survived by children Bruno (Joyce) Pereira, Edel (Dan) Groski, Mildred (Terry) Treis, Meg (Tom) Meiklejohn, Grig (Mary) Pereira, Esther Pereira, Robert (Susan) Lavan, Mark Lavan, Tom (Vicki) Lavan, Janet (David) Fauls, grandchildren Andrew Lavan, Katie (Oscar) Mayorga, Rob Lavan, Jackie Fauls, Matthew (Tyler) Fauls-Rivas, Jon Lavan, Samantha Lavan, Mike Lavan, Chris Lavan, great-grandchildren Santiago Mayorga and Ximena Mayorga, and a large extended family and network of friends.

Ginny is preceded in death by daughter, Kathleen A. Lavan (1951-1952), husband Phillip J. Lavan (1926-1987), daughter Nancy E. Lavan (1962-1990), second husband Arthur S. Taylor (1933-2011), and daughters Isabel Halford (1945-2023) and Rachel Zimmerman (1957-2023).

Ginny was born in Warren, Ohio and with younger siblings Claire and Joe, was raised on a 100-acre family farm by a single mother, also a first-generation Polish immigrant. Although the family struggled to survive, their strong Catholic faith, perseverance in the face of adversity, and constant outreach to others with similar struggles brought them through it together. In the late 1940’s, Ginny became a Registered Nurse and air hostess with Trans-World Airlines based in Kansas City, Missouri. She loved music and dancing, becoming a certified Arthur Murray dance instructor and returning to the Cleveland, Ohio area frequently to check on and care for family and enjoy the vibrant big-band culture. It was there that she met Phillip J. (“Phil”) Lavan, and in 1950, they were married. They settled in Kansas City and welcomed their first child, Kathy, who was born with a birth defect and passed away at 11 months old. Ginny maintained her nursing license and retired from TWA to be a full-time homemaker. In the next five years sons Bob and Mark were born. Phil’s job led to moves to Louisville, Kentucky, followed by Chicago, Illinois, where son Tom was born and then Lafayette, Indiana where twin daughters Janet and Nancy were born. It was in Lafayette where Phil and Ginny joined a Judeo-Christian foster parent organization, and sponsored 18-year-old Bruno Pereira. Bruno joined the family, attending Purdue University and graduating with an engineering degree.

Phil’s job led to moves to and within upstate New York over the next 15 years. In that time, Bruno’s seven siblings, and then parents would join him in the US, and the close-knit family bonds were sealed between the Pereira and Lavan clans. Many Sundays were spent after Mass enjoying coffee, conversation, and each other’s company. Family events and vacations were planned all together – by Ginny. Ginny was the glue that kept the family together through good times and sometimes difficult times, never wavering in her faith, hope for the future, and love for each and every one.

Ginny volunteered constantly and would be the first to raise her hand. She was an active leader in pro-life, pro-family, and conservative causes locally and state-wide, led charitable events, assisted with Cub Scouts, school homerooms and events, kids sports groups, and of course church and local convent support. She also maintained her nursing license and would take private duty nursing contracts to stay sharp. While the children were in school, she started a homecare products home-based business to raise money for family vacations and unexpected expenses. More than once, she was a national leader in the company. As often as the finances would allow, Ginny would organize family vacations all over the US. She loved people and was determined to make a difference in the world in which she lived, and the entirety of her life showcases the values she held dear.

No matter where life’s twists and turns took the family, they made many close friendships that lasted throughout Ginny’s lifetime. She was grateful for and proud of the wide variety of friends she made in her lifetime.

Phil’s job led to a cross-country move to Mission Viejo, California in 1979. Ginny re-established her nursing career as the twins were now seniors in high school. It was here that Ginny also decided to continue her entrepreneurial adventures and started what would be a highly successful real estate sales business with Tarbell. Again, she would volunteer for pro-life, pro-family, and conservative causes, never turning down an opportunity to make a difference. She led a chapter of the John Birch Society, championing freedom-loving legislation and regularly making visits to local or state congressional offices.

After being a widow for several years, Ginny met Art Taylor, himself a widower, and they married in 2004 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. They enjoyed traveling, sightseeing, family events and vacations all over the US, and food of all types. They worked together on the real estate business, retiring in 2008. Art passed away in 2011 due to a long-term illness. Although their marriage was brief, they were to those of us who knew them the very best of friends.

Ginny developed several health issues, and could no longer drive. But she did not let this stop her. She remained in her home, continuing to volunteer as she could from home for the causes important to her. She was supported by family and regular caregivers, most notably Masomeh (Massie) Ansari, who remained close to Ginny to the end of her life. In 2019, Ginny sold her home and moved into Aloha Gardens, where she lived out her life with frequent visits from family and friends. As long as was possible, she enjoyed outings to enjoy a nice dinner or to watch the Angels ballgame, or if she was lucky, “Dancing with the Stars” – in which she was quite the critical judge. Her 95^th birthday party was a huge hit, with numerous visitors coming to see Ginny or calling in to reminisce about the many great memories.

Ginny’s life was not without hardship, from the earliest years to later years. But this did not phase her, and never did she despair or become despondent. She prayed the rosary daily, called on Padre Pio, St. ______ (fill in the blank), and the Blessed Mother for intercession and prayers to help her find her way. And find her way she did.

Ginny loved God, family, and country. She leaves a legacy of faith, love, courage, perseverance, joy, and special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched throughout her long and fruitful life.

A Vigil will be held at O’Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills, California on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Her funeral mass will be held at St. Kilian Catholic Church, Mission Viejo, on June 19, 2024 at 10:30 am followed immediately by graveside service and interment at Ascension Cemetery, Lake Forest, California. A luncheon reception will be held afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish you may make a donation to the Life Center of Santa Ana, in Santa Ana, California.