Barbara A. LaVarnway Mero

Barbara A. LaVarnway Mero of 19 Point Rd Willsboro, N.Y. passed away on June 27, 2019.
She was born in her home in Dannemora N.Y. in 1932 to her parents Gilbert LaVarnway and Bertha Boulrice LaVarnway. She grew up in Dannemora with her brothers Robert LaVarnway, William LaVarnway, John LaVarnway and her sister Marilyn LaVarnway Beck who she deeply loved. She was a proud aunt to all of her many nieces and nephews. Nothing meant more to her than family. No matter how far...from California to Alaska she worked hard, saved and made many journeys across country by planes, trains or automobile to see them as often as possible.
She graduated from Dannemora High School in 1949. She then went on to complete nurses training in Plattsburgh N.Y. to become a registered nurse. Her nursing career continued in Plattsburgh, then to an air base in Michigan and after as the town nurse in Willsboro for Dr.Hayes for over ten years. Most kids in town remembered her as "the shot lady" as she vaccinated so many kids over the years. She then worked many years at Tambrands followed by helping her husband run the family garbage business that her father in law "Busco" started in 1940. As she ran the business she became our fathers bookkeeper, secretary, gopher, right hand and boss. If she wasn't running an errand for her husband she was for her son "Jimmy" and always on the go. While life had her busy, we never wanted for anything and she never dropped the ball when it came to being a mom. She continued to run the garbage business solo after the passing of her son and husband until 2008 at the age of 76.
Mom loved reading all hours of the night, was a talented seamstress, knitter, needle point and was very much a "handy man". as soon as she would complete wall papering the entire house...she would start over again. The ladders, tools and saw horses were always out. She was a very technically savy girl and always up to date with the latest gadget as she loved to learn. Mom loved the auxiliary and was an original charter member that formed the auxiliary 54 years ago back in 1965. She formed friendships there that lasted her lifetime. She was at the fire station all the time with her husband and son. She was so proud to have the opportunity during being a member while having her husband and son serve as fire chief for the community they all so dearly loved. We will think of her when the Drinkwine boys go by the house this 4th of July in the authentic Indian attire they've been wearing for years. Jimmy sent her to an Indian reservation in Canada to pick them up. She loved a road trip.
As far as a wife and mother....she couldn't have been more loving, loyal and faithful as our mom. She was all of our "go to girl" for anything always! Dad didn't make long after the passing of Jimmy and she has missed them both dearly. We try to find comfort in knowing they are finally together again.
In lieu of flowers etc... we ask that you kindly donate to the Elizabethtown Dialysis Center.
We would like to send a special thanks and appreciation to the nurses at E'town Dialysis who all cared for mom like loving angels as well as the many, many doctors and nurses who were also so kind and gentle with her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Wednesday July 3, 2019 from St. Philip of Jesus Church in Willsboro. Burial will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown.
To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com