Rosie Lavender

Rosie Lavender
August 30, 1952 - May 22, 2013
Parnell, Iowa
Visitation: 2:00 -6:00 PM May 25, 2013 at Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg, Iowa
Funeral Service: 1:00 PM May 26, 2013 at Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg, Iowa
Interment: May 25, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Parnell, Iowa
Parnell- Rosemary Kaye Duffy Lavender was born on August 30, 1952, in Sigourney, Iowa the daughter of Shirley Duffy. "Inky" as she was called was adopted and raised by her grandparents Leo P and Regina (Gaffey) Duffy. Rosie grew up in Parnell and graduated from Williamsburg High School and latter attended nursing school in Huntington Beach, California, where she reunited with her mother. Rosie returned to Parnell and her Irish roots, and married Jerry Dhondt, to this union they had a son Jared. They later divorced. She later married Lars Lavender on March 17, 1997 at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. Rosie worked at the U of I Hospital for 20 plus years, before retiring. Rosie's special joy in family and friends around the Parnell, Iowa was well known. Her many interests and loves included: "junking", finding Irish memorabilia, gardening, a passion for books, reading and traveling. She lived for St. Patrick's Day and loved her cats and dogs, but most of all caring for her beloved granddaughter Autumn Regina Dhondt. Rosie died suddenly at her home in Parnell on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at the age of 60 years. She is survived by her husband Laurence "Lars" of Parnell; a son Jared Nathan Dhondt, and a granddaughter Autumn Dhondt all of Parnell; a stepsister Rosiemarie (Kevin) Harris of Kansas City, KS; and a half brother Steve Martinson of Coralville. She was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Martinson; and grandparents Leo & Regina Duffy. Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 26, 2013, at the Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Parnell. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at the Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.