Lavina Gaffaney, 62

Lavina Marie (Rust) Gaffaney, 62, Alexandria, passed away Friday August 3, 2012 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lavina was raised on a small farm outside of Glenwood. It was during these formative years that she developed a strong sense of family and her stubborn generosity. After graduation, Lavina moved to the Minneapolis area and began her bookkeeping career. In 1973 she met the love of her life, Richard Gaffaney. They were married the following year and moved to Alexandria to begin their new life together.

Lavina was employed by KCMT–TV, where she worked for 16 years. She continued to work In the Alexandria area but was most recently employed as a customer service representative at American Solutions for Business in Glenwood.

Lavina was an active member at Bethesda Lutheran Church, serving on several committees and the church council. She lived for her children and grandchildren, being actively involved in all aspects of their lives. Lavina enjoyed reading, working in the garden, and going for drives through the countryside, making memories on special vacations. However, Lavina’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends sharing stories.

In May of 2012, Lavina was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and she was determined to live life to the fullest until the very end. We are comforted in the fact that she was able to leave this world while surrounded by her grandchildren. We will miss you, Mom.

Lavina is survived by her husband of 37 years, Richard Gaffaney of Alexandria; two sons, Jon Gaffaney and wife, Robin, of Madison, WI and Nathan Gaffaney and wife, Anna, of Farmington; five grandchildren, Meghan, Benjamin, Katelin, Madison and Mary Gaffaney; five brothers, Ordell Rust and wife, Carol, of Glenwood, Clarence Rust and wife, Jean, of Glenwood, LeRoy “Butch” Rust and wife, Sue, of Maple Grove, Harvey Rust and wife, Carolyn, of Glenwood and Gerald Rust and wife, Diane, of Glenwood; sister, Sharon Nelson of Glenwood; brother-in-law, Ralph Gaffaney and wife, Carol, of Alexandria; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lavina was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mildred and Orine Rust.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Duane Danielson officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery near Villard. Casket bearers include Jon Gaffaney, Nathan Gaffaney, Kyle Rust, Shane Rust, Brian Gaffaney and Alan Gaffaney. Honorary casket bearers include Cindy Gilmore and all of Lavina’s friends and support group from American Solutions for Business.

Visitation is Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bethesda Church with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will is Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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