LaVerda M. CALVERT

LaVerda M. Calvert LaVerda M. Calvert, age 81, formerly of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 12, 2004, at her Wilmington home following a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Pittsburgh, PA April 18, 1923, LaVerda was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maude (Troup) Rank. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church and had been active throughout her life in the Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts of America. In recognition of her years of dedicated service to the scouting community, she was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in 1975. A talented artist, LaVerda created a large gingerbread house replica of an historical Delaware building for each of the last 14 years. These gingerbread houses have been displayed as part of the holiday decorations at Woodburn, the governor's mansion in Dover. At the time of her death, LaVerda was the office manager of the Hamilton House Condominiums in Wilmington. LaVerda was the loving wife of Walter Edward "Cal" Calvert, who preceded her in death in 1971. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Winifred L. Cronk. She was the proud mother of 7 children, Lee Gallagher and her husband, Charles, Deena Swist and her husband, Robert, Sandy Turulski and her husband, Jack, Vicki Cherry and her husband, Brett, Wayne Calvert, David Calver, and Gary Calvert and his wife, Peg. "Grammie" shared much love with her 7 grandchildren, Scott, Robert, Lisa, Michael, Erin, Amy and Zachary. LaVerda is also survived by a brother, Andrew C. Rank; a niece, Deena; and a nephew, Joseph. LaVerda's many friends are invited to attend a funeral service at 11 am on Friday, December 17, 2004, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, with visitation after 10 am. Interment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, where LaVerda will join her husband, Cal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in LaVerda's memory to a charity of your choice. To send condolences, visit www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com 302-328-2213