Mary Lou Lavery

Mary Lou Lavery, 94, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Deer Trail Assisted Living in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She was a resident of Wyoming for 70 years and former resident of Valentine, Nebraska.

Mary Lou was born December 19, 1928 in Carroll, Nebraska; the daughter of David J. Thomas and Helen Iva Swihart.

She attended schools in Nebraska and was a 1947 graduate of Valentine High School. Mary Lou also attended Wayne State Teacher College for 2 years and obtained a teaching certifcate. She later attened the University of Wyoming where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.

Mary Lou married Thomas Joseph Lavery Jr. on June 5, 1954 in Superior, Wyoming; he preceded her in death on October 9, 2019 in Rock Springs.

She worked as a teacher for over 20 years in Superior, Rock Springs and Green River until her retirement in 1988.

Mrs. Lavery was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Community.

Mary Lou enjoyed, spending time with family; playing golf; gardening; walking and hiking; baking; traveling and playing bridge.

Survivors include two sons, Rick Lavery and wife Ann of Green River, Wyoming; Tom Lavery of Grand Junction, Colorado; three daughters, Patty Sydow and husband Norm of Louisville, Colorado; Kathy Lavery of Rock Springs, Wyoming; Terri Garofalo and husband Jim of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado; one brother, Bill Thomas and wife Diane of Loveland, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Sean Lavery; Chris Lavery; David Lavery; Janie Lavery; Andy Sydow; Egan Sydow; Jessica Garofalo; Lauren Garofalo; Cyril Gress; six great-grandchildren, Bodhi Lavery; Lola Lavery; Ella Lavery; Maisie Lavery; Freya Lavery; Stevie Lavery, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, David Lavery; two sisters, Mildred Gass; Blanche Olson; one brother, Keith Thomas and one granddaughter, Caroline Lavery.

Following Cremation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 116 Broadway Street, Rock Springs, Wyoming. A Vigil Service with Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be in Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.

The family respectfully request donations in Mary Lou's memory be made to Hospice of Sweetwater County, 330 Broadway Street #220 Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901.