Lavonne "Dolly" L. Nicholson

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LaVonne L. Nicholson, née Blafka, age 87, of Munster, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the morning on Saturday, October 19, 2024 surrounded in her final days by her children and grandchildren. LaVonne was commonly known as “Dolly”, a nickname given in childhood that she carried through her lifetime.  She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and was adored by everyone she met.

Dolly was the beloved wife of the late James (Jim) J. Nicholson (1937- 1983), meeting in 10th grade English class to become high school sweethearts and continued in life as loving parents of four children. Dolly and Jim were proud Chicagoans, beginning their life together in the city and suburbs before bravely moving across the US adventuring and calling home in two states and three cities while raising their family.   They returned to the Chicago area in 1981.  There, to help support her family, she entered a career in property management where she loyally worked for the same firm for over 20 years.

Dolly cherished family time with Jim and their children, making memories every week filled with kids sports, boating, water skiing, camping, sightseeing and travel.  She was an avid Scrabble player and loved playing board games with her friends and extended family.

Dolly moved to Dyer, Indiana in 2005 to be active with her new grandchildren there.  She found her faith in Indiana and was a lively member and worshiper in her church, Redeemer URC in St. John.  Dolly was loved by her church family.

Dolly is survived by her loving children Cathy (Dave) Carney, Mark (Mary Frances) Nicholson, Jeff (Karen) Nicholson, and Dan (Mary Helen) Nicholson.  She was a devoted grandmother to Paul Carney, Brooke (Adam) Eggert, Adam Nicholson, Anna Nicholson, Matthew Nicholson, and Natalie Nicholson.  Proud great-grandmother of Finnley Vonn Eggert (namesake for LaVonne).  Dear sister of the late Judy (Joe) Lewandowski and aunt of Jennifer (Mark) deRu.  Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Lillian Blafka.

Visitation Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN and Visitation Friday, October 25, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with services conducted by Dr. Cornelis P. Venema (The funeral service will be livestreamed through our Facebook link at https://www.facebook.com/SmitsFH) . Private interment at Oakridge/Glen Oak cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be given to Easterseals ( https://www.easterseals.com/ ) or Mid-America Reformed Seminary ( https://www.midamerica.edu/ ).  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com