Avanell (North) Lezanic, 94, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at The Gardens in Indiana.
She celebrated her 95th birthday (September 25) with Jesus and the love of her life—Paulie. She was born to “Jessie” (Spence) and Robert North on September 25, 1930. She was the sixth child born to them, and was the last surviving child. Her siblings included: Elizabeth, Lillian, Robert Jr., Roberta, John, and Harmon.
After graduating from Indiana High School in 1948, she worked in the Fulton Run Company Store until her marriage to Paul Lezanic on January 29, 1950. Paul and Avanell lived in Creekside for a short time until they purchased a home in Willet, PA, where they raised their five (5) children – Allen, Robert, Michael, Linda, and Nancy.
Avanell devoted her life to raising her children, and in 1967 decided to welcome more children into her life by working as a cafeteria worker at the Creekside Washington Elementary School. She then was offered a teacher’s aide position. She loved her work immensely with the children. She often talked about her desire to become a teacher, but she chose the next best thing by working at the school. She retired after 25 years of service.
Avanell and Paul traveled throughout the United States by car, train, bus, and airplane. They chaperoned the Marion Center High School Band for their 1975 trip to Ireland and the 1964 New York World’s fair trip. She was very active in PTA and the Band Parents Organization. Avanell and Paul enjoyed bowling, playing cards, bingo, and gambling a little at the casino. She participated in several women’s bowling leagues and was Secretary-Treasurer for many years. Avanell was a member of both the FOE and Creekside Volunteer Fire Department’s Women Auxiliaries.
She was a woman of great faith and a devout Christian. Paul and Avanell were active members of the Harmony Grove Lutheran Church. It wasn’t an easy task to get five children ready for church every Sunday, but somehow she managed! Avanell spent numerous hours at the church teaching Sunday School, planning and working at the Summer Vacation Bible Schools, serving on church council, decorating the church for Christmas, helping with dinners and receptions.
Their family grew to include three daughters-in-law and one son-in-law: Diana Fedor (Allen); Debra Broskin (Robert); Kathy Renz (Michael); and James Koutris (Nancy). They were also blessed with the following grandchildren – Christy, Brian, Bethany, Michelle, Lauren, Cory, Kaitlyn (Greg) and Casey; and the following great grandchildren – Alivia, Gavin, Tyler, and Michael.
Her husband, Paul, died in 2001. Avanell remained in their home in Willet until 2016, and then her children convinced her to move to Indiana where she’d be closer to some of her children. She lived in her apartment for nine years and then due to health issues, she moved into The Gardens in Indiana.
Visitation will be held at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home (Indiana) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Harmony Grove Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kathy Mihoerck officiating. Private interment will be in the Harmony Grove Cemetery.
Donations can be made in memory of Avanell to: Penn Hospice, 313 West High Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931 or Harmony Grove Lutheran Church, 6584 Five Points Road, Creekside, PA 15732.
