Obituary: Beverly June Maravilla

June 27, 1929 – April 27, 2024

Beverly June Maravilla nee Domberg, age 94, of Hammond, Indiana, formerly of Chicago, Illinois; Lansing, Illinois; and Waco, Texas; passed away on April 27, 2024, at their home surrounded by family.

Beverly was born on June 27, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Herbert and Hazel (Anderberg) Domberg.

Beverly is survived by their eight children: Larry (Cheryl), Chris (Sue), Cynthia Carroll, Marilyn McDonald, Cathy Wright, Jerry, Karen, and Carl.

Grandchildren: Rochelle Seput, Erica Velez, Matthew Maravilla, Tony Maravilla, Jeffrey Yates, Megan McDonald, Aaron Stassen, Lauren Francis, Alison Gargas, Larry O’toole, Rachel Maravilla, Carinne Maravilla, Danielle Maravilla, Sam Benefield, Lily Maravilla, many great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband Sam, grandson Shawn McDonald, siblings: Robert/Sony, Dorothy Sorensen, Ginny Feingarten, Shirley Alvarez, Nancy Myers, and infant sister Darlene.

Beverly modeled in Chicago before meeting the the love of her life, Sam, in her parent’s living room. Sam told her within two days of meeting her that he was going to marry her. She told him that she didn’t want to get married. They were married for 73 years! Beverly devoted her life to her soulmate and family. Sam and Beverly lived at the Indiana University/Bloomington trailer court while dad was attending school there. Mom was very proud to receive a PHT/Push Husband Through! The wives were recognized for their devotion and dedication to ensuring that their husbands graduated!

Beverly looked forward to dancing with her hubby, especially when Lawrence Welk performed at the Trianon Ballroom.

Beverly loved to wear hats! She was known affectionately as “the hat lady of St. Ann’s Church.” She loved going to garage sales and antiquing, reading, horseback riding, plants (especially African Violets), cooking, and baking! Mom was featured in the Hammond Times! The article “Swedish wife cooks for Mexican husband” listed mom’s recipes along with pictures of several of their children. Mom was “famous” for her delicious homemade tortillas, Spanish rice, refried beans, and pork meat with chili … and their children’s friends eagerly anticipated joining them for dinner or leftovers!

Since they had a large family and many mouths to feed, Sam and Beverly also ran a successful concession business that they started in the early 1960s called Maravilla Confections. They were featured in the Hammond Times for this family business venture. They were known for “Serving goodies kids love to eat”.

They were famous for their delicious popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, and their white trailer.

The family would rally together … sometimes working multiple events in one weekend, and set up at local carnivals, sporting events, etc. Our parents were way ahead of their time! Sam re-purposed a camper into a traveling concession stand.

Beverly was a long-time member of St. Ann’s Church in Lansing, Illinois; St. Jerome Catholic Church in Waco, Texas; and St. Thomas More Church in Munster, Indiana.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at All Souls Catholic Parish at St. Ann’s Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Beverly’s name may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area (219-922-2732) or All Souls Catholic Parish at St. Ann Church (building fund), Lansing, Illinois (708-895-6700).