Lavina DuVernay

Lavina Rosemary DuVernay, 76, of Appleton, passed away May 20, 2022. 

Lavina was born in Milwaukee, on Tuesday, January 15, 1946.  She is the daughter of the late Frank and Arlene Bozich. She grew up in West Allis.  Lavina earned a degree in cosmetology, and derived great satisfaction in her pristine home.  For decades she worked as a beautician and attended conferences for years after leaving the profession. On July 13, 1968, she was united in marriage to Ronald DuVernay Sr. They shared over forty years together and were blessed with two sons, Ronald Jr. and Joseph.

Lavina loved family, sunshine, and swimming pools. Lavina loved talking, driving, and playing bingo.  She enjoyed preparing for Christmas celebrations and family gatherings. She was known by many names: Babe, PeeWee, Lori, and more.  She was more than willing to help others by babysitting, shopping, or shuttling children.  She enjoyed morning coffee at McDonalds to discuss gas prices and share “news” of the day. She and Ron shared several trips to Louisiana and never failed to visit Elvis on the way.  They traveled to Branson, Eagle River, and Hawaii. They enjoyed fishing, cribbage, and golf together. In recent years, she enjoyed traveling around the city in her vehicle.

She is survived by her son, Ronald Jr. (Greta) and their children Christopher, Julianna, and Daniel; her sister Patricia Wnuk, sister-in-law Jackie Bozich, and brother-in-law Robert DuVernay.  Lavina is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lavina was preceded in death by her husband Ronald and their son Joseph; brothers Ronald Bozich and Howard Bozich; sisters-in-law Marilyn Bozich and Loraine Walters; brothers-in-law Henry Walters and Ronald Wnuk; nephew Henry Walters Jr., and niece Lori Bozich.

Funeral services for Lavina will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 26, at the Wichman Funeral Home, located at 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, beginning at 4:00 PM.  Private interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery.

Lavina’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Country Villa and St. Paul’s for their generosity and care.