Lavaye M. Tollefson

LaVaye M. Tollefson, age 72, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Eventide Senior Living, Moorhead, MN.

LaVaye Marlene Larson was born on August 20, 1946 to Victor and Vera (Hanson) Larson. LaVaye attended grade school in Ulen before transferring and graduating from Hawley High School. Following high school, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a wife, mother and homemaker.  LaVaye cherished and loved being a mother, grandmother, and friend. She eventually expanded on her passion by being a light to so many others while working as a caregiver in her role as a nurse’s aide at Bethany, Eventide, Hawley Senior Living and Sunnyside Care Center. When she wasn’t blessing others in this role she found time to nourish her family and friends with wonderful food, not to mention the creation of her many delicious cakes for the milestone celebrations of those she knew and loved.

LaVaye had an unwavering faith in Christ and will be remembered as the family’s “Prayer Warrior”.   When times were hard, her family always knew who to call on to provide them with wonderful spiritual support.  She had a cheerful, joyous and infectious personality that provided her family and friends with countless laughs and stories to share for generations to come. Beyond all this, she also had style.  She definitely had an eye and passion for all things that contained a little bling.  She filled our hearts with joy and will be forever missed.

LaVaye is survived by her sons, Donald (Sandy) Tollefson and Jason (Aislinn) Tollefson; daughters, Mischelle (Shane) Hagerty and Melanie (Danny) Tollefson; sister, Dianne (Steve) Mounce; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

LaVaye was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Vera; two sisters, Nancy Larson and Jean Simmons; brother, Mark Larson; and niece Lynsey (Larson) Escarcega-Licon.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Hawley Lutheran Church, with a visitation one hour before the service.