Marion E. Gavaza

PLYMOUTH — Marion Elizabeth (Kirby) Gavaza passed away at Beverly Manor Nursing Home in Plymouth on March 29, 2008, after a period of failing health. She was 89.

Born in Brockton on Jan. 14, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Judge James T. Kirby and the late Helen (Callahan) Kirby.

She worked as a hostess at many area restaurants, including the famous Toll House in Whitman, The Red Coach Grille in Middleboro, Berts Restaurant in Plymouth and the 1620 in Plymouth, from which she retired.

The former wife of the late John H. Gavaza, formerly of Florida, she was the beloved mother of three sons, John H. Gavaza Jr. and his wife, Judith, of Wareham, James T. Gavaza and his wife, Mary, of Florida, formerly of New Mexico, and Jerald W. Gavaza of Calais, Maine; and three daughters, Michele Gigante and her husband, Kenneth, of Harwich, Judith A. Lake of Whitman and Joanne H. Lighthizer and her husband, Rod, of Craig, Colo. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and several cousins. She was the beloved sister of the late William, John, James and Majorie Kirby, and grandmother of the late Justin Gavaza.

A memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Ghost Church in Whitman on Monday, April 21, at 10 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Rockland.

Arrangements are by the MacKinnon Funeral Home, 760 Washington St., Whitman. To sign the guest book, visit www.mackinnonfuneral.com.