Mae L. Lavan, a retired secretary for the Glazers Union, died Saturday in Whitestone Nursing Home in Chicago. A former long-time resident of Flossmoor, Mrs. Lavan was 88. A native of Chicago, she began working for the Glazers Union in the 1940s. For four decades she served as the union’s secretary, administering its health and welfare department. Mrs. Lavan also worked a night job as a bookkeeper for many years, said her son, Edwin Connell. In her spare time, she took night classes at local colleges, at one time studying Spanish for a planned trip to Spain. “She was very strong willed, a hard worker who was quite driven for a woman of her day,” Connell said. An avid traveler, Mrs. Lavan visited Europe, Asia and South America with her husband, James, of nearly 40 years. Besides her son, survivors include two grandsons; a granddaughter; and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Tews Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Highway, Homewood. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church, 1131 Douglas Ave., Flossmoor.
