Laverna Mundy Geraghty, Plymouth, died Sunday, April 19.

Our mother changed our lives by the way she lived her life. An awesome mother, successful business owner, dependable friend, average golfer, and humble role model, she set high standards without trying. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will understand. She believed love never ends.

Born Laverna Mae Bess on July 20, 1925, to Bertha (Fowler) and Otis Bess in Stoddard County, Mo., Mom told the story of 16 people living in her Grandma Fowler’s house during the Great Depression. A small house, each family lived in one room. Laverna, being an energetic four year old, visited all the families every day. She thought having everyone together was great fun. From her near-poverty childhood, she always remembered the importance and the joy of family.

Laverna married Bruce Lewis Mundy on Sept. 2, 1943 who preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1967. In 1955, Bruce and Laverna moved their family from Detroit to Plymouth and started their own restaurant business. Mundy’s Restaurant was founded on the belief that success was achieved by serving good food in a people friendly environment. Laverna operated Mundy’s Restaurant with this philosophy until it was sold in 1977.

Laverna leaves behind the four Mundy children and their families. Each integrated her family values, her kindness, and her loving spirit into their own families: Lynn (Jeff) Annis, Mishawaka; Debbie (Bob) Wise, Plymouth; Brian (Karen) Mundy Leesburg, Fla; and Cathy (Johnny) Catoe, Hilton Head, S.C.

Her children’s fondest memories include making breakfast together on Christmas mornings, and summer vacations to inexpensive destinations including factories and historic landmarks. Most precious were the summer holidays when the restaurant was closed. The family played softball and cooked out in the backyard. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star, was a campfire leader and a den mother, for Boy Scouts. She also worked part-time for the Voter Registration Office at the Court House and worked on the Travel Board for the Registration.

Most important, Laverna made sure all her children received a college education. More than graduating from college, she encouraged her children to choose a career in education or healthcare, as she believed the only jobs worth doing were jobs that served others.

Laverna married John S. Geraghty on December 23, 1972 in Plymouth, Indiana. John preceded her in death on March 20, 2015. She also leaves behind step Children Steve (Connie) Geraghty, Mishawaka; Kevin (Christine) Geraghty, Arlington Heights, Ill.; Susan (Tom) Frisz, South Bend; David (Ruth) Geraghty of South Bend; and Margaret (David) Elkins, Bloomington.

Laverna was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister: D. Maurine (Joseph) Summerlin; step son: John Geraghty; and step grandson: David Frisz.

Laverna was a life fan of Plymouth High School Athletics, Indiana University athletics, and Notre Dame athletics. She lived the last two years of her life at Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson. Their loving care of our mother as we lost her to the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease, will forever remain in our hearts.

Visitation 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Van Gilder Funeral Home, Plymouth. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, also at the funeral home. Services will be officiated by Pastor Larry Marhanka. Burial will be at New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, IN or to Plymouth High School Athletics. Memories may be shared at www.vangilderfuneralhome.com.