Delores "Dee" Louise Garvin

Delores ("Dee") Louise Garvin, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024, at home with her family around her. Dee was born in National, WV on August 17, 1937 and raised in Morgantown, WV. She graduated from Morgantown High School in 1955 and married Charles S. Garvin on July 20, 1957, whom she met in chemistry class at West Virginia University. Dee graduated from the Registered Nurse program through Monongalia General Hospital and first daughter Mary Beth Garvin followed in December 1958. Dee and Charlie moved to Annapolis, MD in 1959 where Dee was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Dee is survived by her husband of almost 67 years, Charles, 92, her daughter, Karin A. Garvin, 59 (James P. Dodson her "favorite son-in-law") of Pace, FL and her granddaughter, Sydney Garvin Dodson, 21 of Pace, FL. Dee was predeceased by her daughter Mary Beth Garvin, her mother, Mary Glavas Kovacevic and father, Steve John Kovacevic, sisters Gloria Kovacevic who passed as an infant and Rosella ("Rose") Dunko and brothers Stephen Kovacevic (Theresa and Mary), and John R. Kovacevic. Dee leaves a multitude of friends who she considered additional family members.

Dee was proud to be a Registered Nurse (her childhood dream patterned after her Aunt Ruby's career) and she practiced surgical nursing for over thirty (30) years. Dee retired from nursing at Anne Arundel Medical Center where she had served as the Nurse Supervisor for the Operating Room. In her career, Dee precepted many young nurses and was highly respected by the nurses and physicians alike. Dee became so close to many of the young nurses that she was a "Grandee" to many of their children.

Holidays were always celebrated in Dee's home...gifts and decorations always adorned her tables for every holiday including Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day to Halloween and Thanksgiving. Christmas with Dee was the best...from flocked Christmas trees and holiday open houses to traditions like Christmas stockings with an orange fruit in the toe.

Dee had a huge giving heart; she volunteered at her daughters' PTA, Girl Scouts, Band and Orchestra and CCD. Dee even took on the care of her brother John just as Karin went off to college (no time for an "empty nest") and immediately got involved in John's activities including a handicapped bowling league, Boy Scout Troop and fundraising for his employer, Opportunity Builder's Inc.

Dee's most cherished role was as "Grandee" to her granddaughter Sydney. Grandee would drop anything to spend time with Sydney and delighted in every moment with her. Sydney always came first with her Grandee. Sydney loved her egg salad sandwiches and learned her love of baking from her Grandee.

Once Sydney was born, Dee wanted to move to Florida to be near her and did just that in 2005 renting an apartment for her and her brother John. Charlie stayed in the family home in Annapolis until they purchased their home in Pace, FL in the same neighborhood as Karin, Jim and granddaughter Sydney just as Sydney was starting kindergarten. Dee met Sydney at the school bus stop when needed and volunteered at Sydney's schools. Dee was even twice honored as "Senior Volunteer of the Year!" Dee loved going to all of Sydney's school, athletic, music and extracurricular activities and always doted on her Sydney.

Once in Florida, Dee became of member of Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church. Dee loved to cook and bake; her Christmas cookies and cakes were enjoyed by many. Her homemade knitted dish clothes were revered by her friends and family as well. Dee devoured books and loved everything strawberry themed, lilies of the valley and stegosauruses. Pink was her favorite color and she especially loved to wear it.

Dee was generous with her time, her affection, and her talents. Everyone was always welcome in Dee's home. She would quickly offer a drink, a snack or a meal and an open ear to listen to anyone's problems. Dee's greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends at home and on the road traveling. She was the consummate caregiver. Dee loved fiercely and unconditionally. She will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD, 21401. A Celebration of Life luncheon will immediately follow Mass.