Lavonne Aboud

Mary 'LaVonne' Aboud, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Living Center East. Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, by Reverend Philip Thompson. Visitation: 9:30-10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial: St. George Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. She is survived by her sons, John (Dianne) Aboud of Algona, Iowa, George (Tania) Aboud of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Lauren and Zackary Aboud, and Leslie and Johnny Aboud; sister, Margaret Gross of El Cajon, California; sister-in-law, Rita O'Connell of Vinton; several nieces and nephews; neighbors of 50 years, Kenneth and Marilyn Kiernan; neighbors of 30 years, Jerry and Linda Renfer; many extended family members and friends; and her cat roommate, Ziggy. Mary LaVonne O'Connell was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on November 30, 1925, to John and Mildred (Colgan) O'Connell. She graduated from Walker High School in 1943. She married George Zack Aboud on June 19, 1954, in Cedar Rapids. He passed away on November 28, 1966. She worked for Killian's Department Store, Collins Radio, and then the Department of Defense (DCASO) for 32 years, retiring in 1988. LaVonne was active in genealogy and lived independently in her home until shortly before her death. She enjoyed having coffee and eating out with friends, and following her family's activities and accomplishments. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), and the Walker American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; and brother, Ralph O'Connell.