LaVena, Esther, 84, of Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, died peacefully on September 17, 2010 at St. Elizabeth Manor, Bristol surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Victor E. LaVena.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Abraham and Sadie (Solomon) Tanury, she lived in Riverside for 60 years.

Mrs. LaVena was a bookkeeper for Tanury Industries, Lincoln for 50 years before retiring in 1982.

Esther was a member of the St. Martha Church Rosary & Altar Society and the Queen of Peace Cenacle. She always welcomed everyone into her home and everyone who met her loved her. She enjoyed singing, dancing and laughing. Esther was an angel on earth who has earned her wings and has returned home.

She is survived by a son; Louis A. LaVena of Seekonk, MA, three daughters; Victoria E. Doran of Rehoboth, MA, Nancy N. Doyle of Taunton, MA and Jacqueline B. Rose of East Providence, two sisters; Mary George of Riverside and Olga Olszewski of East Providence, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday September 21, 2010 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:30 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Raymond Church, 1240 North Main Street, Providence at 10 am. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Calling hours are Monday 4-8 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Esther’s memory to St. Elizabeth Manor, One Dawn Hill, Bristol, RI, 02809 would be deeply appreciated.