"I also worked as a busboy at Smith Bros. and I worked with Etch. She was a hard worker and she had a great sense of humor. We worked many times together. I will remember her for the fun we had at Smith Bros. "
In loving memory of
Ethel J. Laven
October 7, 1929 - January 21, 2012
Ethel "Etch" Laven, of Webster St. in Port Washington, passed away in the evening hours of Saturday, January 21, 2012 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee. She was 82 years old. She was born in Port Washington on October 7, 1929, daughter of Edward and Louise Witte Wilson. Etch grew up in the Port Washington area, and graduated from Port Washington High School in the late 1940's. On October 9, 1948 she married Lawrence "Bruiser" Laven at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington. Etch worked as a hostess at Smith Bros Restaurant for 30 years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington. Etch was also active in the Port Washington Senior Center and enjoyed cooking, gardening, and loved doing artwork, which is how she got her nickname, "Etch". She is survived by her three children; Jeff (Nancy) Laven of Liberty, MO, Mike (Sharry) Laven of Port Washington and Chris (Fiancée Gene Dittrich) Price of Sheboygan. She is further survived by four grandchildren; Curt (Theresa) Laven of Liberty, MO, Bryan Price of Cedarburg, Kevin (Dena) Laven of Emeryville, CA and Jamie Price of Glendale, two sisters Rosie Spencer of Palmdale, CA and Florence Fricano of Milwaukee, her sister-in-law Georgianne Wilson of Waukesha, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bruiser, two brothers and two sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 27th at 6 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington with Father Tom Lijewski officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Mary's Cemetery in Port Washington. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27th at the CHURCH from 4-6 PM. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Etch, was wonder hostess at Smiths, I was a busboy in highschool, she was very jovial and always happy, she also said chop chop when she need a table ready for customers"
"Etch was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I was so nice getting to know her more and more the longer we lived next door. I will always remember the beautiful gardens she had around her home (it always pushed me to just try and make sure I could keep plants living around my yard-perhaps someday I will get her magic touch) I am so glad that she was able to meet my daughter and I will treasue all of the little gifts she seemed to give Georgia on a weekly basis. And Etch was always thinking of us with her cookies, breads and other homemade goods-wether it was to say thanks for something or just because. I will miss waving to her as I left for work, knowing that she would be sitting in her living room looking out the window with a smile and a wave back. Our prayers go out to her family and may God give you strength during this time."
"Etch was one of our best, and most loyal employees. I will miss seeing her when I'm in Port Washington. My best to all the family. Ned L. Huwatschek Lac La Belle, Mi."
"I have such fond memories of working at Smith Brothers with "Etch". She was a great gal and we had lots of fun times!!"
"Aunt Etch was the best cook and loved to entertain and show me her pretty things. I will miss visiting with her, taking drives with her and going to lunch or dinner with her when we came to Port. She will be missed. My prayers and sympathy to the family."
"Etch was always kind hearted and fun to talk to. I saw her at Lloyd Smith's birthday party in September and we again talked about the good times when I was a waitress at Smith Bros. She will be missed by me and many others."
"I am sorry to learn of Etch's passing. She made working at Smith Bros. (as summer employee) lots of fun and I remember her for her kindness to all of us. "