LaVera "Toots" DeCaria

September 4, 1928 – August 10, 2016

Let it be known that Toots DeCaria passed away August 10 after a long life as a stubborn hell-raiser who lived every moment on her own terms--and for this we respect and admire her.  LaVera “Toots” DeCaria was born September 4, 1928 In Los Angeles, CA to Lawrence and Vera Drysdale.  She was raised in Ogden, UT, just up the street from a handsome young man named Victor DeCaria.  With hearts aflutter, they married on June 25, 1945.   Together they raised 9 children in Layton, UT.

Later in life, Toots went back to school to obtain her GED and continued on to get her Associate’s Degree from Weber College.  Toots was well known for her impeccable skills at a variety of crafts.  She was an accomplished knitter, crocheter, cross-stitcher, needle pointer, and seamstress.  And because that was not enough, she was also known for her beading, stained glass, porcelain dolls, and quilting.  She enjoyed travel and had been across the US, as well as to Japan, Guam, and Italy.  She was a gun nut, and a nut in general who kept friends and family laughing.  She fulfilled a lifelong dream in recent years by obtaining her Utah Concealed Carry Permit.  She was a longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

To summarize her in one word, she was a character.  She instilled a sense of individuality and toughness in her children and grandchildren.  Those that knew her will never forget her, and those that didn’t will surely hear the stories.

She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Victor, as well as their kids MichaelVickiDonVincentRenaHollyLisaMaxAlex (for those that had to learn to say them all fast, and in order).  Dr. Michael (Carol) DeCaria of Salt Lake City, UT; Vicki Corbin of Elk Grove, CA; CDR (USN-ret) Don (Gayle) DeCaria of Logandale, NV; Vincent (Carrie) DeCaria of Longview, WA; Rena (Roy) Skeen of Syracuse, UT; Holly (Ed) Augustson of Big Rapids, MI; Dr. Lisa Barlow (Carl Brzozowy) of Thornton, CO; Max (Shawna) DeCaria of Ogden, UT; and Dr. Alex (Marcia) DeCaria of Lancaster, PA.  Also surviving are her brothers—Don Drysdale of Layton, UT and Douglas Drysdale of Glendora, CA—her full herd of 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews. She also leaves behind her Pomeranian Henry of Longview, WA.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Daniel.

We are truly grateful to Dr. Law, Melissa, Michelle and Miriam from Symbii Home Health and Hospice for extraordinary service and care provided to Toots and the whole family.  We would also like to sincerely thank the staff at Chancellor Gardens for the continuing dedication and attention to their residents, and especially to Toots and Victor.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 South Chapel Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit family Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd.  A Vigil with Rosary will be held 7:30 p.m.

A celebration of her long and rowdy life will be held Tuesday 12:30 to 2:30  at Chancellor Gardens 1425 S. 1500 E. , Clearfield, Utah.

Interment at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton,   1867 No. Fairfield Rd. Layton.