Laverne Santore
Laverne Santore, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on Feb. 26, 1950, in Poteet, Texas, to Elsie and Hearthal Whitley, Laverne lived a life defined by kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her faith and family.
Known for a warm heart and generous spirit, Laverne touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her and will be deeply missed.
Laverne shared 43 years of beautiful marriage with her beloved husband, Gary, and together they raised five children.
Family was always at the center of Laverne’s life. She found her greatest joy in time spent with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family, creating lasting memories through gatherings, traditions and quiet moments of connection.
She was happiest when her home was filled with her loved ones playing games, telling stories and eating her delicious food that was always the center of any get together.
Laverne’s life was dedicated to her Lord. Her faith was not only the most important part of her, but it shaped her activities, service and devotion to others. She was involved with numerous bible studies and women’s groups, spent years serving her church’s youth group, children’s ministries and hospitality team, and was always the first to offer when help was needed.
Laverne loved to travel, but the places she visited were simply a way of adding to the people in her life. Whether it was visits back to Texas or Michigan, winters spent in Florida or an adventure to Spain to visit her wonderful foreign exchange daughter, Maria, she made precious friends and memories everywhere she went.
Laverne is survived by her husband, Gary J. Santore Sr.; children, Rick (Jo) Ceculski, Cheryl (John) Long, Denise (Joel) Billock, Gary (Jenny) Santore Jr. and Lindsay (Ryan) Tomlinson; grandchildren, Kara (Adam), Ryan (Morgan), Issy, Brina, Robby, Abby, Ben, Ransom, Alden and Lydia; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Brooke and Margot; and siblings Pat (Doc) Blakely, Jean Vrana and Wayne Whitley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Bitsy Belor, Ruby Lyles and Eddy Whitley.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 3-7 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon Ohio.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, friends and family are welcome to join in a service at 11 a.m. at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon, with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Munson Township, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Hospice of the Western Reserve (www.hospicewr.org/give) to honor Laverne’s spirit of generosity and care for others.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
