LaVerne Baril-Solda

She was born on June 17, 1929, in Norway, the daughter of the late Albert and Edna (VanDamme) Johnson.

LaVerne graduated from Vulcan High School in 1947. She attended Northern Michigan University earning a State Limited Certificate and began a teaching career. In the years that followed she earned her bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in special education.

LaVerne married Lawrence Baril on Aug. 8, 1952, at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan. He preceded her in death in 1978.

She retired from Norway-Vulcan Area Schools in 1986 having taught for 32 years. Following retirement, she served on the Norway-Vulcan School Board for eight years and Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School Board for 12 years.

Having a special needs daughter, she directed much effort to improve the lives of special needs citizens.

She was a charter member of Memorial Hospice, serving as a volunteer and as an officer, and a lifetime member of the Michigan Education Association and National Education Association as well as the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Oak Crest Golf Club in Norway.

She married Gelindo “Geno” Solda on Oct. 4, 1997, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.

LaVerne is survived by her husband Geno; daughters, Linda Baril of Kingsford, LuAnne (James) Batti of Kingsford and Laurie (Brian) Whear of Iron River; sons, Lee (Pam) Baril of Eau Claire, Wis. and Michael (Kristi) Solda of Norway; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Ken Johnson; sisters-in-law, Marie Johnson, and Corky Johnson; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Lois; brothers, Roland and Ernest Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Marilu Johnson and Joan Johnson.

Interment will be held now at the Norway Township Cemetery.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in the spring.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to all staff at Evergreen Meadows Assisted Living.

Family suggest that memorial contributions may be made in LaVerne’s name to Evergreen Meadows.

Condolences to the family of LaVerne may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.