Published in the March 3, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Joan “Carol” (Sarni) Lava, 71, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away at the Oosterman Rest Home in Wakefield on Feb. 24, 2017.
Carol was born and raised in Chelsea and was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1963. She enjoyed traveling to Florida, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Colorado and the Grand Canyon. Carol worked as a working supervisor for the Bank of America for many years. She loved family gatherings and her family was the most important part of her life.
Carol was the beloved wife of John J. Lava, Jr. for 51 years. She was the loving mother of John P. Lava and his wife Marisa of North Reading; Michael D. Lava and Susan M. Lava, both of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of Sarah, Brian, Nicholas, Isabella, Mia and Christian. She was the proud great grandmother of Jaxon. She was the devoted daughter of the late Pasquale and Joan (Joyokonis) Sarni. She was the caring sister of Patricia Rogers of Brockton and the late Charles J. Sarni. She was the adored aunt of numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, Feb. 26. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home was held on Monday, Feb. 27, which was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Assoc., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.
