LaVerne Catherine Degnan Dowling

LaVerne C. “Fern” Dowling died peacefully in her sleep on December 23, 2014. Fern was preceded in death by her loving husband Maurice J. “Mike” Dowling and her son Steve (Terri) Dowling. She is survived by her children Janet (Tom) Maruna, Bill (Barb) Dowling, Mary (Chuck) Schwarz, and Bob (Pam) Dowling. She was a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren, Katie (Adam) Bryant, Tim (Aimee) Dowling, Kelly (Todd) Hammer, Laurie (John) LeBoeuf, Erin Dowling, Brendan Schwarz, and Ally Dowling. Fern was great-grandmother to Patrick, Riley, Colin, Kilian, Isabella, Sean, Claire, and Charlotte. Fern was predeceased by her mother, Bertha Degnan, her father Floyd Degnan and a sister, Virginia Heimos. She was a devoted friend and source of inspiration to her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Fern will be fondly thought of for her warm smile and kindness shown to all who crossed her path. Her kind and loving spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all.

Visitation Monday, December 29, 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4092 Blow St., St. Louis, MO, In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Louis Altenheim or Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church appreciated.