E. LaVerne (Lins) Petrie

E. LaVerne Petrie, 93, of Moon Township, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, April 12, 2024, at Apple Blossom Senior Living Center.

LaVerne was born September 15, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of William E. Lins and Grace Evelyn Lins, née Barr, and was a graduate of Langley High School. She married the love of her life, William A. Petrie in July of 1949, and together they raised 5 children; first in Sheraden, then later moving to Moon Township in 1964. They happily remained inseparable partners in crime until “Captain” Bill’s death in 2010, just short of their 61st wedding anniversary.

LaVerne devoted the first 25 years of her marriage to raising her children and making a home, then, after a short series of part time and temporary positions, went to work as an administrative assistant at the Stanley Berg Co. of Carnegie, from where she retired after over a decade of service.

In the mid 1970’s, Bill and LaVerne purchased their first boat, and from that point forward, became familiar denizens of Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Fellow pleasure boaters, especially those from North Shore Marina, and then Peggy’s Harbor Marina, knew them well, as the several boats they owned were emblazoned with the moniker “LaVerne”, and one could frequently hear Bill bellowing “LAVERNE!” at no less than 110dB while barking orders. The friendships she made while boating were some of the longest and closest of her life. LaVerne’s boating habit gave rise to her lifelong love of mimosas and margaritas. She also enjoyed travelling to craft shows with her daughters, daughters in law, and sister-in-law Florence.

LaVerne attended Sharon Presbyterian church and is survived by her children: William Michael (Karen) of Deep Creek, MD., Mark (Elena) of Fort Wayne, IN., Craig (Elizabeth) of Boardman, OH., Stacey (Michael) of Burgettstown, PA., son in law Bruce (Vanessa) of Moon Township, PA,  7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren,  her friend and companion Don Gardner, as well as her special friends Annie Logan- Buzza, Donna Glaab, Elia Hurlbert, and Molly, the best cat in the world.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, sister Carole Cooper, daughter Monique Clark, grand children Zachariah and Kristy, and friend and companion Gordon Hurlbert.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by R. D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Rd., Moon Township, PA. 15108. Friends may call between the hours of 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday April 19, 2024, and 10:00 AM Saturday April 20 with a memorial service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in LaVerne’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd., Aliquippa PA. 15001.

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