Lavona Quinn

McFarland- LaVona Faye (Erickson) Quinn, age 91, passed into the night on October 6 after a brief illness. As she stated during her last week, she was ready to go. She lived a long life, loved her family well and was prepared for the next leg of her journey.
LaVona was born in a farmhouse in Darlington, WI on September 25, 1924 to George and Frances Erickson. Our Mother grew up in Southwest Wisconsin, attending a one-room schoolhouse until she went to Darlington High School.
On VE Day in 1945, LaVona married her high school sweetheart, Francis Vivian Quinn, who proceeded her in death in 2003. Together in Madison, they raised 8 children; 6 boys and 2 girls. LaVona was trained as a nurse near Chicago and worked for many years at Morningside TB Sanitarium. We all fondly remember her, working throughout the house during the day and always had our evening meal ready and on the table, before our Dad drove her to work for her 5:00-9:00 p.m. shift, Monday through Friday.
Following her tenure at Morningside, she worked as the school nurse at Frank Allis Elementary School. Our youngest sister and brother were in attendance at the school during this time and our sister, Colleen, in particular, always found a way to make it to the nurse's office on an almost daily basis, until our Mom put a stop to it!
LaVona was constantly in motion. Sitting for any length of time wasn't easy for her and even while sitting, her hands were always busy with mending, sewing or crocheting. The only time any of us can recall her actually laying on the sofa was the day she had our 14-year old dog put to sleep.
Born a 4 lb., premature baby, we all marveled at her boundless energy and strength. She was an avid baker, bird watcher, cook and gardener. She sewed most of our clothes, as children, including clothes for the girl's dolls. There wasn't a day that went by that we didn't have fresh-baked cookies, pie, donuts, etc. She cooked every meal for her family, every day with the possible exception of a once-a-month outing for a fish fry. And, all of this, was done without complaint on her part. You could literally eat off the floor of our home, she was that good of a housekeeper; even with all these children running throughout! She truly loved being a Mom and caretaker.
LaVona was 100% Norwegian and for being such a tiny person in height and weight, she was also the strongest woman any of us have ever known. Her example is a tough one to follow, but one which we all strive to achieve.
In 1977, LaVona and Viv moved to McFarland. Together, they enjoyed their retirement and traveled to almost all of the 50 states. They truly loved being together on these trips and were interested in everything each state had to offer.
LaVona and Viv enjoyed their twilight years, watching their children get married and spending time with them and the many grandchildren. Holidays were of particular joy to all of us, with most of the family gathering for these fun and, yes, sometimes hectic, celebrations!
LaVona was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Winona and her brother, Arlin. She is survived by her children: Gregory (Doris), George (Connie), Mark (Elizabeth), Steven (Lois), Scott, Kathy (Al Razzano), Colleen (Charles Wartman) and Robert (Jennifer), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to AGrace Hospice, Fitchburg, WI. Mom spent her last hours there and they are truly angels on earth. We will be forever grateful for their kindness and empathy during Mom's last hours.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home in McFarland. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon reception immediately following the services at the McFarland American Legion. Friends may greet the family from 9:30am until the time of service Monday.

Please share your memories of LaVona.

Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655