LaVila M. Suma

LaVila M. Suma, 79, of Cedar Rapids and Brooklyn, Iowa, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in Round Rock, Texas, after a 12 year battle with cancer. In accordance with her wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life service at a later date.

LaVila is survived by sons, Brad (Eileen) Suma of Round Rock, Texas and Mark (Luane) Suma of Cedar Rapids; daughters, Valleri (Steven) Burns of Cedar Rapids and Charlotte Suma (Pierre) of Quebec; grandchildren, Jason Burns, Ben, Calvin and Ali Suma, and Aaron (Ashley) Suma; great-grandchildren, Aria, Hunter, Brody and Cooper Burns; sister, Tanna (Severano) Caraballo; brother, William (Joan) Rischer; sister-in-law, MaryAnn Boehm; and her life partner, Larry Lawrence.

She was preceded in death by Raymond, her husband of 52 years; and her parents.

LaVila was a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids and started one of the first day care centers in the city, which she operated until 1991. She loved to cook, entertain, play cards and visit with family and friends.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 4, 2012.