It is with deep sadness the family of Lavette Woodbeck (Iwanec) announce her peaceful passing on January 11, 2024, at Southbridge Roseview with her husband and children by her side. Lavette was a loving wife, mother, Baba, sister, aunt and friend.
Born in Fort William on January 25, 1955, Lavette had a warm and adventurous spirit. In 1975 she married her best friend Gary and together they shared 48 loving years regularly welcoming family and friends into their home. Lavette touched so many lives, having spent the majority of her career as a teacher. She started by teaching English as a second language to new members of our community then moved on to St. Patrick and St. Ignatius high schools where she made many lifelong friendships.
Lavette loved to spend time at Shebandowan Lake fishing with her husband, one of their favourite activities. She also had a love of travel which included trips to Ukraine, Bermuda, Florida, Cuba, and Mexico as well as a tour of Europe with her students. Lavette and Gary’s ultimate adventure was an African safari that allowed her to experience the wildlife and culture from the pages of her beloved National Geographic magazines. Lavette had a passion for reading, but her life’s greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her two grandchildren, Clara and Archie. Lavette’s courage, tenacity and devotion to her family and friends will certainly leave a void. You are in our hearts forever, Luba.
Lavette will be sadly missed by her husband Gary, daughter Erin, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Melanie, grandchildren Clara and Archie, brother Gerry, sister-in-law Marilyn Gural (Barry) and brother-in-law Tom Woodbeck along with her many nieces, nephews and “the cousins”. Lavette was predeceased by her parents John and Jean Iwanec and in-laws Earl and Joyce Woodbeck.
Many thanks to the countless surgeons, doctors, nurses, rehabilitation, and healthcare staff that provided care to Lavette over the years. Special thanks to Dr. Garon, Dr. Anthes, Dr. Biman, Toronto General Hospital lung transplant team, and good friend Dr. Silverberg for guiding Lavette and her family through her journey.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024, in the chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with Rev. Ciaran Donnelly officiating. Donations in Lavette’s memory can be made to the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre. Please register as an organ and tissue donor at beadonor.ca. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
