Laverne Sitzes

Laverne Sitzes, age 88, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on April 14, 2023 at the Senator Bob Hooper House in Forest Hill, Maryland. Born in Overland, Missouri, she was the daughter of Alexander F. and Fannie Elizabeth (Norris) Nicholas and wife of the late Dewey David Sitzes Jr.

Laverne’s first love was her family. Nothing made her happier than being with those she loved and laughing with her grand-and-great-grandchildren. Every week until her passing, Laverne hosted family night—a gathering of her loved ones with a special meal prepared by her.

During her almost 60-year marriage, Laverne and Dewey had many adventures together and lived in many places including St. Louis and Kansas City (Missouri), Concord (California) and eventually settled in Bel Air, Maryland. She treasured a special trip that she and Dewey took up the East Coast and into Nova Scotia and was always up for traveling.

Laverne was an accomplished seamstress who crafted beautiful quilts, dresses and embroidered gifts; she especially loved to make someone something personalized that she knew they would love. Laverne loved being outdoors, listening to the ocean and traveling to see family. She loved gardening and hummingbirds and each Spring would create a special garden to attract them to her yard.

She cherished her time working at C-Mart over the years—making many lasting friendships. Most recently, Laverne enjoyed swimming each week at Harford Community College with a cherished group of friends and could always be found having fun with her next-door neighbors and best friends of over 40 years.

Laverne is survived by her daughter, Sherry Cowper; son-in-law, Ken Cowper; son, Kerry Sitzes; daughter-in-law, Stacey Andon; grandchildren, Adam Sitzes and Aaron (Carolyn) Cowper; great-grandson, Mason Cowper; great-granddaughter, Isla Cowper; and sister, Dorothy Hooten.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Nicholas and John Nicholas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Senator Bob Hooper House, c/o The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, 520 Upper Chesapeake Drive, Suite 405, Bel Air, Maryland 21014.