Marion Elizabeth 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, MA on Jan 14, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Judge James T. Kirby and the late Helen (Callahan) Kirby. When she was just a young child her mother passed away from influenza and she was raised by her father and his sister Mary and her husband James Londergary in Whitman. She spent many happy summers at the family home in Brant Rock, where she developed a love of the ocean. She attended Whitman schools and LaSalle College. 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. She enjoyed horseback riding and skiing in her younger years. She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. She loved reading, and enjoyed spending time with her children. She lived for many years in Whitman before moving to Middleboro and finally settled in Plymouth. She was the former wife of the late John H. Gavaza, formerly of Florida. She was the beloved mother of six children, 3 sons John H. Gavaza Jr. and his wife Judith of Wareham, Ma, James T. Gavaza and his wife Mary of Florida, formerly of New Mexico, Jerald W. Gavaza of Calais, Maine and 3 daughters Michele Gigante and her husband Kenne th of Harwich, Ma, Judith A. Lake of Whitman, MA and Joanne H. Lighthizer and her husband Rod of Craig, Colorado. 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 in St. Patrick's cemetery in Rockland. Arrangements by the MacKinnon Funeral Home 760 Washington St. Whitman. To sign the quest book, visit www.mackinnonfuneral.com.