Laverne Marie Calvaresi

LaVerne Marie (Showers) Calvaresi , fell asleep in the arms of the Lord on June 5, 2014.

Born on July 6, 1937 in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Willard J., Sr., and Helen P. (Horn) Showers.

She was the wife of Anthony J. Calvaresi, Sr., who passed away on September 1, 2005.

LaVerne was a Third Order Carmelite, also involved in Cursillo with her husband Anthony, an Oblate of the Precious Blood, and was a member of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As a profound devotee of Divine Mercy she was instrumental in establishing and coordinating all the Divine Mercy Masses at Holy Rosary for the entire Berks area beginning in 1990. She was a daily communicant in conjunction with praying the rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet as well as reciting the Divine Office daily. She traveled to Fatima and Medjugore.

She was the selfless parish secretary for over 30 years at Holy Rosary and was an indispensible collaborator with Msgr. Losito in pastoring the parish family. She was also a meticulous housekeeper, excellent cook, and loved talking on the phone, which was really part of her ministry.

LaVerne will be remembered as a most tender, unconditionally loving and giving wife, mother and mom-mom. She was an ardently loyal friend and confidant whom many counted on for help and support.

She is survived by her sons, Anthony J., Jr., husband of Tammy Calvaresi, Birdsboro and David M. Calvaresi, Philadelphia. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Matthew, Mark, Emerson and Nicole and her sister, Sandra L. Showers, partner of Robert L. Schaeffer, Jr., Bernville.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Willard J. Showers, Jr. and Gregory L. Showers, husband of Kathleen, Reading.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at noon in St Margaret's, 925 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601 . Viewings will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home., Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611 and Wednesday from 11:30 to noon in the church. Contributions may be made to Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., at the above address. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.