Rachel W. Lavenice

Rachel W. LaVenice, 69 of Lancaster, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at her home. Rachel was a fine example of the Hebrew meaning of her name, which is “ewe”, little Lamb of God: a tender person of high principles, a firm sense of honor, and a self-effacing individual.

She was married 51 years to John H. LaVenice, Sr.. Born in Jamestown, NY, she was the daughter of the late Clarence W. and Florence M. Crofoot Wells.

After selflessly dedicating her life to loving and raising her children, at the age of 61, Rachel was able to pursue and achieve her other life-long dream of becoming a nurse. She enjoyed nursing up until three weeks before her death. She was a member of the Hempfield Brethren In Christ Church, where for many years she taught Sunday school as well as helped on the kitchen committee. Her interests included gardening, reading, politics, and spending time with her grandkids and family. Everyone she met immediately went from stranger to friend because of her great love and kindness.

Rachel’s greatest passion in life was serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5,” Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path,” was one of her favorite Bible verses and epitomized her life.

Surviving besides her husband is a daughter, Ginger, wife of Craig R. Lefever of Millersville; five sons, Andrew J. husband of Joy LaVenice of Paradise, Michael husband of Deb LaVenice of Columbia, John H. LaVenice, Jr. of Holtwood, Timothy W. husband of Ashley LaVenice of Manheim, and Stephen A. husband of Jill LaVenice of Landisville; ten grandchildren; a brother, William, husband of Kerry Wells of South Carolina; and two sisters, Cynthia Bravo of Marlboro, MD, and Jeanne wife of Fred Humble of Ashville, NY.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at Community Fellowship Church, 200 Bethel Drive, Lancaster, PA with Dr. George R. Kimber officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Life Outreach International (Mission: Rescue Life), PO Box 982000, Fort Worth, TX 76182 ….MEMO: in memory of Rachel LaVenice. (Sex slavery continues to be one of the largest “businesses” among organized crime. Mission: Rescue Life is currently going into Nepal, where human traffickers are operating and helps reach, rescue and restore young girls from these atrocities.)