Deacon Edward Lavine, affectionately known as Junior, June, Ed, Edward and Deacon, departed this life in the loving arms of his daughter on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, LA.

Deacon Lavine was born July 11, 1951 to Ambrose and Matilda Andrepont Sam in Lake Charles, LA. He was later adopted by Leonce and Alia Gallow Lavine.

He attended Sacred Heart Elementary and Junior High School; St. Augustine's Seminary in Bay St. Louis in Mississippi, and graduated from Landry High School in Lake Charles, LA. He attended McNeese State University and received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Speech and Public Relations. He also studied at Immaculata Seminary in Lafayette, LA where he completed his three-year Diaconal Formation and was ordained a Permanent Deacon,

August 10, 1985 by the Most Reverend Bishop Jude Speyrer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lake Charles, LA.

Deacon Lavine was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where he served faithfully. His commitment to his church and the community was unwavering. He attended the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat in 2017 and served as an A.C.T.S. team member in 2018 and 2019. He was a true servant leader.

Deacon Lavine was formerly employed by Entex for 21½ years. At Entex, he worked in the Service Department for 5½ years and was promoted to a marketing representative position at Entex before going to work for the Diocese of Lake Charles full time.

One of his first projects at the Diocese of Lake Charles was the Food for Seniors Program for a five geographical parish area.

Deacon Lavine was known as one of the busiest men in the Diocese, according to Diocesans News, September 29, 1999. At that time, he was filling the following offices:

Vicar for Black Catholics
Vicar for the Community Services
Chairman of the Permanent Continuing Formation of Permanent Deacons
Member of the Calcasieu Center for Catholic Studies
Board of Advisors and a member for Screening of Permanent Deacons
He also taught religion, was active in the Jail Ministry, and was a past Chaplain of the Central Committee.

Deacon Lavine's commitment and service will be profoundly missed by a community of friends and colleagues who respected and admired him.

On November 25, 1972, he married his college sweetheart, Brenda Banks. They were blessed with three children, Edward Michael D'Angelo, Quinn Anthony and Cherlyn Renee. Deacon Lavine's legacy is one of love, compassion, and service that will be carried on through his family whom he loved with every fiber of his being.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents, Ambrose Sam and Matilda Andrepont Sam Fontenot, Leonce and Alia Gallow Lavine; biological grandparents, Moise and Alice Bienvenue Sam; Edward and Emily Andrepont, grandparents, Thomas and Mary LeBlanc Gallow, and Gobert and Marie Malveaux Lavine; stepmother, Gussie Lavine; one sister, Betty Sam; and one brother, Joseph Trent Andrepont.

Deacon Lavine leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 51 years, Brenda Banks Lavine; two sons, Edward Michael D'Angelo Lavine (Ashley Nash) and Quinn Anthony Lavine all of Lake Charles, LA; and one daughter, Cherlyn Renee Lavine of Houston, TX; one grandson, Stephen Micah Lavine; seven sisters, Brenda Ruffin, Pamela Semien, Shelia Sam, Darlene Fontenot, Marlene Johnson all of Houston, TX, JoAnn Andrepont of Lake Charles, LA and Senora Sam of Ecuador; three brothers, Marvin Fontenot, Jerry Fontenot, and Tracy Sam all of Houston, TX; two living aunts, Jessie Mae Rougeau Reder and Willie Mae Sam Mouton, both of Lake Charles, LA; and goddaughters, Josephine Lewis of Texas and Trekessa Syas of Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

During Deacon Lavine's lifetime he touched the lives of many people because of his love, compassion and service. The impact he made will continue to be felt for years to come and missed by many.