Arlene Lavigna

Arlene Alva (Grover) Lavigna, 94, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2012, in her home at Northpointe Woods.  She was born May 20, 1917, in Hiawatha, Kansas, to A. Perle and Ferne G. (Turner) Grover.  She was raised in Chicago, earned her beautician's license, and worked in the family business.  In 1937 she married Sherman J. Lavigna.  Before moving to Battle Creek in 1958, they lived in Great Neck, NY, Lakewood, OH, and Elmhurst, IL. Over the years Arlene volunteered as a Campfire Girls leader, a Gray Lady at Lakeview General Hospital, and as the archivist at Kimball House Museum.  She enjoyed membership in the DAR, National Farm and Garden, the Humane Society, Binder Park Zoo, the Battle Creek Civil War Roundtable, Battle Creek Country Club, First Presbyterian Church, and Westlake Presbyterian Church.  Her hobbies included painting, needlework, reading, and crossword puzzles.  She also had a great love for animals, especially cats. Arlene was preceded in death by husband, Sherman, in 2001.  Surviving are daughters: Carol (Charles) Ackerknecht of Albuquerque, NM, Nancy LaVigna of Grand Rapids, MI, and honorary daughter, Jody Owens of Battle Creek.  A private interment at Memorial Park is planned.  Memorials to any of the following would be appreciated:  Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek, Calhoun Area Humane Society, Westlake Presbyterian Church, or the DAR.  The family would like to thank Northpointe and Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice for their kindness and care.

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