Laverne Riviere

Laverne was born in Port Alberni and raised in Vancouver. She grew up with her older brother, George and younger sisters Thelma, Beverly and Shirley. She was an avid gymnast, runner and badminton player. Laverne and Garnet, the love of her life for 67 years, raised their two daughters, Judy and Peggy, on the Island. The early years were hard but adventuresome, living in a tent for a year by a river where she washed diapers on a washboard and kept her toddlers busy. Her next home, a two-room abode in Campbell River, seemed like a palace to her (still no electricity or running water). Port Alberni was next, living in an auto court where electricity was a treat (still no running water). She sure didn't like the smell of the pulp mill in her fresh washing hanging on the clothes line. Moving to Cordova Bay in Victoria on Dec 15, 1958 was a dream come true. Electricity and running water! We started attending Glad Tidings Church right away and within two weeks she was helping in the church nursery. For just shy of 50 years Laverne faithfully served God by showering the infant - two year olds with tons of love, hugs and kisses. If you are under 60 years old and grew up in the church, Laverne has changed your diapers!!! She also spent decades in the church kitchen, cooking monthly dinners for various groups. Laverne was the best Mom and Gran ever! She was always warm, loving and fun. She showered her daughters, grandkids and great-grandkids with unconditional love, hugs, prayers and common-sense advice. She has always been the centre of our family life. She loved all music, the more upbeat, the better. She especially loved "The Heritage Quartet" when they sang at church. She affectionately called them "my boys". Laverne loved gardening and spent many years nurturing her flowers, especially petunias and poppies. Her favourite color was pink, as her garden and closet clearly showed. It certainly made shopping for gifts easy. If it was pink, she would love it. Occasionally we snuck in mauve as an alternative, which she also learned to like. Laverne was a genuinely happy woman. She was strong in her faith and love of God. She was truly content with a modest life>