Daviette Lalko was born to Marion (DeStefano) and Stanley Lalko on November 3, 1952, one of identical triplet girls. She and her sisters were three months premature in Hoboken, NJ. Her two siblings died the day of their birth, but Daviette survived. Though born with normal eyes, she was placed in an incubator with high oxygen that led to her blindness, which was caused by retinopathy of prematurity. She was the oldest child and grew up with her brother Michael and sister Susan. Daviette was “main schooled”, prior to that term being coined, and graduated high school from Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township, NJ. She attended Oberlin College receiving a degree in Spanish and then the University of Pennsylvania for a master’s in education. Daviette was still employed at the time of her death by the Social Security Administration, Philadelphia offices and had worked for the Federal Government for 48 years.

Daviette was also an alumni of both the Guiding Eyes and Seeing Eye where she was matched over 40 years with her seeing eye dogs. Starting with Marvel in the 1970’s, then Flicka, Heron, Nutmeg, Ebony and Kim, who was still with her at the time of Daviette’s passing. Daviette had an incredible memory and knew every dog’s birthday and passing day. Her burial is at the location for which she had wonderful memories of walking her dogs for the 40 years she lived in Drexel Hill.

Daviette died on October 9, 2026, in a rehabilitation facility where she was recovering from a series of medical set-backs. She was clear minded to the end, and those of us who were able to visit her during her different hospital and recovery stays, would have wonderful conversations on many topics. Daviette was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Marion, and her younger sister, Susan Lalko Arie. She is survived by her brother Michael, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ and his family.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, Daviette’s viewing (10-11AM) and funeral service (11AM start) are being held in the Chapel of Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, PA. 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill, PA.  A repast will follow the services; the burial will be private at Arlington Cemetery.

In Daviette’s memory donations are requested to be sent to the Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ. As she would say, she was a proud alumni of that inspiring institution and prior to her passing, Daviette found a new home for her present dog, Kim. Seeing Eye - Morristown, NJ

Daviette, your grit, your spirit, your laughter and your presence will be missed, but live on in our memories.