Laverne Mary Swan, nee Jolicoeur was born March 7, 1920 at Waverly, Minnesota and died August 30, 2014, at her daughter’s home in Colfax, California. She was born to Mary Helen (Libor) and Francis Jolicoeur.

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, Daniel Houser, of San Diego, CA; Brother Richard Jolicoeur and wife Bernice, of Mound, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, step-children, step-grandchildren, and other friends and relatives

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

Laverne was a long-time resident of Sacramento, California, where she provided over fifteen 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 Kansas 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, California. They did this once or twice a week as their health permitted.

Memorial services were held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at the Iten Funeral Chapel in Delano, Minnesota. Gathering of family and friends was one hour prior to the services on Friday at the funeral home. Inurnment was in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Waverly, Minnesota.