Travel Expenses for Family in Memory of Martha Lavallee

(Funeral Arrangements Below) Martha Jeanne Simons Lavallee was born on April 23, 1950, in China, to missionary parents. When she was a toddler, her parents fled China as the Communist regime took over and their lives were at risk. They became missionaries in the Philippines, where Martha spent most of her life until she returned to the US to go to college. She married her college sweetheart, Louis, and they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this summer. They have five children - Abi, Laura Christel, Elizabeth, Virginia, and Paul - and 13 grandchildren.

Her obituary is here:

https://www.smithmortuary.net/obituaries/martha-lavallee

Martha held fast to her faith in Jesus, and he held fast to her for almost 75 years until she met him face to face after a heart attack on March 3, 2025.

Visitation: 1:00-2:45 p.m., Sunday, March 9

Funeral: 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9

Providence Presbyterian Church

1580 Clinton Raymond Rd., Clinton, MS 39056

As her children and grandchildren travel from all over the US as well as from Japan to be together to celebrate her life, we want to relieve their financial burden of the $15,000 in estimated travel costs. Any money given over those costs will be used for final expenses and caring for her husband, Louis. Virginia Beaboa, Martha's daughter who has helped her with her finances in recent years, will administer the funds and distribute them to other family members.

Please pray for this dear family as they also just lost one of Martha's granddaughters, 18-year-old Lydia, exactly two weeks ago. They are so very tired.

You can also sign up to take the family a meal here: https://takethemameal.com/NMNA7894

I spent more time under Martha's care than any other woman except my own mom. Louis and my dad were in seminary together, my mom was Martha's best friend, and Martha's daughter Elizabeth was my best friend "from before we were born," as we liked telling people. I took piano lessons at their house, baked in their kitchen, and spent most holiday dinners with them as our families always celebrated together.

Martha was a gift to so many who knew and loved her and will be deeply missed, especially by her grandchildren who called her "Lola," the Tagalog word for "grandmother."

Aidan, Eastin, Coen, and Kaizen - Abi's boys

Kingsley & Rio - Laura Christel's boys

Rebekah (in heaven), Esther, Bethany, Lydia (in heaven), Arianna Abraham - Elizabeth's girls

LeManific & LeRoi - Virginia's boys

Thank you for loving this family through deep valleys that just keep coming, and helping them feel the love of God through your support and care.

Christina Bomgaars Dent