Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Laverne J. Bystrom

November 10, 1932 - November 6, 2020
Chicago, IL

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Life Story / Obituary


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Laverne Bystrom, of Chicago, Illinois, died peacefully in her sleep on November 6, 2020, in Holland, Michigan. Her passing comes just a few days before her 88th birthday, concluding a wonderful life dedicated to family, friends and putting others ahead of herself.

Laverne was born November 10, 1932, and spent most of her life in Chicago. She and her husband, Roy, married young, raised three children and operated a microscope business for more than five decades. Her life revolved around her family and home, where she became an excellent seamstress, cook and famous for her almond butterballs and Swedish pepparkakor cookies at Christmastime. She developed a circle of lifelong friends from her Ravenswood neighborhood, Chicago Camera Club and years of being a go-kart racing wife and mom. Though she always saw her most important role as taking care of others, she pursued her own goals as well, learning to drive at 40 and becoming a top salesperson at an Amish furniture store in her 60s.

Everyone who knew Laverne described her as the sweetest, nicest, nonjudgmental person they ever knew. She had a heart of gold and always looked for the good in everyone and everything. She will be dearly missed by all.

Laverne is survived by her daughter Susan Dolcimascolo (Phil) of Holland, Michigan; son Gary (Patty) Bystrom of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughters Juliana Dolcimascolo, Katie (Juan Carlos Alvarez) Dolcimascolo and Elizabeth Dolcimascolo; nieces Mona (Thom) Lipski, Sandra (James) Campbell and Vicki (Eric) Hastings; nephews Martin Carter and Terry Carter; and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Irene Lee; husband Roy Bystrom; son Steve Bystrom; sister Joan Carter; and nephews Chris Carter and Kevin Carter.

A memorial service will be held in late November. For those who wish to honor Laverne’s memory with a donation, the family requests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.