Dorothy A. Lavin

   Dorothy A. Lavin, 89, of  Minersville, passed away at the Lehigh Valley Schuylkill Hospital with her family by her side.

   Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Daniels (Danielczyk) and Anna Starzetski.

    She was educated in the Catholic tradition graduating in 1954 of Mount Alvernia Academy, Reading, Pa. and earning her AB degree from Villanova University in 1957. She later continued her studies throughout her life….including course work in chemistry, music, drama, journalism film and TV production earned a Master’s Degree (MA) from   the University of Detroit in1969.

 Dorothy devoted her life to learning, faith and service. She lived the convent life for 15 years, teaching with the Bernadine Franciscan Sisters, and went on to spend a remarkable 42 years as an educator in both Pennsylvania and Michigan, teaching in public and parochial school systems. After returning to Pennsylvania, she taught at Blue Mountain High School and later spent 10 years teaching at the   Schuylkill Business Institute in Pottsville.

In Michigan, Dorothy’s calling to help others expanded beyond the classroom. She spent summers and weekends working alongside her husband Francis J. “Frank” Lavin Jr. at the Robinwood Clinic, and in 1975 received her social workers license and certification as a group therapist/counselor. Her work included service connected with addiction treatment and learning support, including Harbor Light and the Downriver Learning Disability Center in the Detroit area. She also was a participating member of the Teacher Preparation Program at Michigan State University.    

  Later, while continuing her work and service, Dorothy earned her NASD   Securities License (1982) and worked alongside her husband Frank as a financial planner with Waddell and Reed.

   Dorothy and Frank shared a marriage rooted in faith and love.

Their travels were a cherished part of their lives together…..ranging from Hawaii, Aruba, Arizona, Jamaica and Memphis and Switzerland, to the profound joy of visiting Vatican City in Rome where they were privileged to receive Holy Communion from St Pope John Paul II. Dorothy lovingly cared for Frank for 2 and a half years After Frank’s passing on May 27, 2021, she continued her daily devotion visiting Calvary Cemetery every day to pray for him, their loved ones and the faithful departed.

    Dorothy’s life was enriched by her many gifts and interests. She love oil painting, music ( singing and playing piano and guitar) and she valued wellness and reflection through walking, yoga, meditation and reflective reading. She was also proud of her many professional and community affiliations, including involvement with organizations supporting educators and women in business and civic life.

   In addition to her husband Frank, she was preceded in death by her parents Anna and Joseph Daniels and her brother Joseph Daniels.

    She is survived by her sister Barbara Evans, Minersville and by her beloved nieces Dorothy Petchulis and her husband Steve, Mar-Lin and Michelle McCoy and her husband John, Cape Cod along with her great nephews Dane and John  and great niece Yulia.

  Private service will be at the convenience of the family. Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Matthew’s Church of Holy Family Parish.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Hillside.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Holy Family Parish, 501 Sunbury St., Minersville. Dorothy’s life came “full circle” …..from her Baptism at the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Minersville to her final rest with the faith community that shaped her. She will be remembered for her intellect, devotion, compassion and the steady loving way that she served.

     Arrangements are by the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, Minersville. To pay condolences to the family or to light a candle in Dorothy’s memory, visit us at www,donaldjbutlerfh.com.

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