Doris Mae Lacava

Doris Mae LaCava passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her home on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 after an eight year battle with metastatic sarcoma.

Doris was a lifelong resident of Osceola and Mishawaka. She was born March 26, 1933 at home as the first and only child of Edward and Josie Lipinski. She graduated at 17 years old from Mishawaka High School in 1950 and was crowned Princess Osceola the same year.

On February 3, 1951 Doris married Peter M. LaCava, Jr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Their first date on April 13 would have had them sharing their beautiful romance for 64 years. The love they shared together was rare and beautiful to the end. Doris was only as brave and strong as she was because of his support, care and love.

Doris and Pete owned and operated LaCava’s Curve Inn for 21 years from 1963-1984. Many friendships were cultivated at the restaurant over the years for which she was truly grateful.

The pride and joy of Doris’ life was her family. Her favorite things always revolved around them. She had an infectious smile and love of life that she carried with her every day and shared with her three children. Continuing her legacy, love and spirit are her husband, Peter; her son, James (Cindy) LaCava; daughters, Dianna (Glenn) Nowak and Nancy (John) Summey; her ten grandchildren, Jason (Stefanie) LaCava, Aaron (Julia) LaCava, Glenn (Abigail) Nowak, Sarah LaCava, Adam LaCava, Marissa (Jason) Lofthouse, Brianna (Rob) Michalak, Steffanie Nowak, Rachel (James) Furnivall and Valerie Summey; and ten great grandchildren; Christian, Alexander, Jacob, Benjamin, Gretta, Margot, Emmeline, Eloise, Josie and Jenna.

The love Doris showered on her kids and grandkids was never ending and priceless. She made sure she gave them all a lifetime of love, kisses, encouragement, support and memories. Also continuing her love and spirit are sisters-in-law, Rose Robinson, Margie (Jim) Kish; nieces and nephews, Debbie Shubert, Julie Bodle, Larry and Ronald Karnes, Mike, Kim and Peter Kish, Jamie Ryan, Paula Meersman and Roxy Artusi and many great nieces and nephews and also special friends (you know who you are).

Preceding her in death were her parents; in-laws, Peter (Betty) LaCava, Sr.; baby son, Russell; sisters-in-law, Roxy Werbrouck and Betty Karnes and nephew, Robert Karnes and her beloved dog, Mackie.

Doris was a charter member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and over the years was involved in church clubs as a member and supervisor. Doris and Pete visited all but one state in their motorhome after retiring. They enjoyed vacation homes in Michigan and Florida where the door was always open to their many friends.

Doris loved to cook and host dinner parties and holiday gatherings. She enjoyed reading, garage sales, shopping, decorating and attending sport, dance and music events within the family. Her philosophy of life was that she never met a stranger. She could initiate a conversation with anyone and did everywhere she went. She had a wonderful sense of humor.

Doris touched so many without realizing it. She was loved so very much by many and will be greatly missed and revered. Doris lived a rich and wonderful life. Doris thanks the many years of care Dr. Bulger gave to her and her mom and is grateful to all the doctors who have helped her especially Dr. Bufill and Jen.

Doris requested memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society (from which both her parents as well as herself suffered), or the Center for Hospice Care.

God bless you wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and role model.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am Monday, April 7, in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Mishawaka, with Rev. John Eze officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Friends may spend time with Doris’ family from 2 – 6 pm on Sunday, April 6, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4 pm. Visitation is also 9:30 - 10:30 am Monday in church.

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