Mary Ida LeVasseur, age 70, of Helena, passed away peacefully July 2, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer with family and friends by her side.
Mary was born April 8, 1944 in Somerville, Massachusetts, the youngest child of Mary and Joseph LeVasseur. She graduated from St. Clement High School then went on to Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts attaining a Degree in Business.
When Mary graduated, she spent time in the V.I.S.T.A. program; and then went on to a career as V.P. of Personnel at Knapp Shoes in Massachusetts after which she moved to Montana and worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield for many years. After finally retiring, she took some part time jobs with the State of Montana.
Mary loved to shop especially with coupons and she baked “world famous” banana bread which she shared with everyone; and that was not all she shared, she had a ready smile for anyone she met. Mary was very generous and thoughtful. She was devoted to family and friends and never forgot a birthday, holiday or anniversary.
Mary’s family is very grateful to the “Blue” friends, “State” friends and “VISTA” friends for the care, support and compassion during her illness. She will also be dearly missed by her “East Coast” friends and her “Helena” friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Robert and Paul. She is survived by her brother, Joseph and his wife Mary; and her sisters-in-law, Jeanne and Maddy. Mary is also survived by six nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. with a reception to follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name are suggested to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center or to the Lewis and Clark Library. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mary.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 9, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday July 9, 2014
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 9, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Wednesday July 9, 2014
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sue Morgan says
Thank you Mary for sharing your life and friendship with us, we are all very blessed to have had this special privilege. You will never be forgotten. Thank you also Joe for allowing us to share this precious time with you and Mary A.
Tammy says
I will miss our wonderful Mary and treasure the time we shared.
Julie Fischer says
Thank you for being a part of my life. I am grateful that we had time together on Sunday. Thank you, Joe, for letting me visit Mary.
Christal Anderson says
I will miss Mary and mourn her passing. Words are never adequate in moments like these. My sympathies and condolences go out to you, Joe. I was privileged to have known your sister Mary.
Laurie Noem says
Mary was a very special lady, and we are blessed to have called her our friend.
Deb Lynch &Tom Higgins says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to brother Joe and family. Mary was a very special friend and we will hold her close to our hearts always. We were a lucky couple to have had her in our life. Rest in Peace Mary
Lynn says
Many wonderful memories of growing up with Mary and her wonderful family. Her friendship, fun, and love and a little mischief along the way will always be with me. RIP – Lynn
Kathleen Pace says
For those of us that had the pleasure of working with Mary we certainly lucked out. Mary always had a smile on her face and brought joy to us all. I will miss her entertaining stories and wicked Boston accent!
flossie shaw says
Mary was one of a kind and I am so honored to have been a part of this rarity. Mary, in her selfless way, said ” please do not be sad as I had a good ride and it is what it is.”
You will be missed.
Joan says
Our dear Aunty Mary will be missed. Although there were miles between us for many years, her thoughtfulness and kindness extended well beyond any distance. We always looked up to her as she was the first in our family to graduate from college, demonstrated the independence that women could have in their personal and professional lives and showed us devotion to family and friends. She always remembered our special occasions and embraced our growing lives while still maintaining her own path. We shared many laughs when we visited her both near and far. These are etched in our memories forever. We loved you on earth and in the ever after. God Bless! Your loving niece, Joanie xoxoxxo
Scott LeVasseur says
Aunty Mary,
Thank you for so many wonderful memories. You were always so loving and caring with all of your nieces and nephews and you passed that down to all our children as well. The fact that you remembered Fisher on his birthday and every Xmas shows what kind of an amazing, selfless, and caring person you were. You will always be in our hearts and we are extremely lucky that you shared yourself with us. Much love always from Scott, Lisa, and Fisher.
jeanne says
You were the best. You showed us the way in many ways how to treat people. You never forgot any body’s birthdays, whether they were eighty or three. All the wonderful times we had growing the kids up, I couldn’t have asked to been in a most loving family. Rest in peace. Jeanne.
Elaine says
Aunty Mary, you were so kind hearted, compassionate, independent and tough as nails. We all loved that quick wit and a biting sense of humor that you and your brothers all possess. It is amazing to me that no matter what happened in your life you never complained or had a bad word to say about anyone. We were all so lucky to have you in our lives and hope that we have inherited even a few of the wonderful traits you possessed. Say Hi to my dad, Nana, Grampy and Uncle Bobby. We miss you all and love you so very much!
Kathy Earls O'Leary says
Many wonderful memories of Mary starting with St. Clement School. Mary and her family always welcomed us into their home and shared many parties and good times. Her generosity,kindness and support was always a part of what made her such a good person. I’ll never forget Mary Ida . Rest in Peace…Kathy
Barbara DeFalco Anthony says
Like Kathy and Lynn, I share many wonderful and extremely mischievous memories of Mary Ida growing up and even after we were supposed to have grown up! Although it has been many years since I last saw Mary, her special laugh, sense of humor, energy and strength will always be with me. To Joe and Mary and the rest of Mary Ida’s family and friends , my deep condolences to each of you. She remains in our hearts. Peace Mary Ida. Barbara
Wayne Nankivel says
It was with great sadness when I discovered the new of Mary’s passing. I worked with her at Blue Cross, and was much enriched by the experience. Mary always had that infectious smile on her face, and you knew it was sincere and not a facade. At times when I felt a little down, a chance meeting or visit with Mary always lifted me up. I feel so happy that I had Mary as part of my life’s experience and will think of her fondly. Heaven got a big boost with the addition of her great smile and attitude of life… I can’t wait to see you again Mary, Wayne
Julie Frickel says
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I worked with Mary at her last temporary position with the State of Montana. Mary was always a bright spot each morning when we arrived to work and brought us weekly loaves of her famous banana bread! Mary had such a positive attitude, was willing to pitch in wherever needed and showed her generosity in so many ways. My prayers go to her entire family as I know she will be greatly missed.
Maureen Murphy Sheehan says
I will never never forget Mary Ida and our great times at SCH. Our trips to Hampton, Cape Cod and North Conway. Mary Ida and her parents were so good to be after my mother died when I was in high school taking me to Moosehead Lake on vacation with them.
Rest in peace Mary Ida and I will never forget what a great kind person you were.
Maureen
Pete LeVasseur says
Auntie Mary you hold a special place in my heart .I will always remember the great times we had growing up. You always remembered my birthday and my boys. You were / are one in a million. We will miss you deeply.
Love Pete Michelle Matt Michael and Alex
Diane Stone Ward says
So sorry to hear the passing of Mary again all the great times we had at SCH, hanging out at your house on Rogers Ave Ball Sq lots of good memories. May you rest in peace.
Diane
Michele Kiley says
Aunt Mary, you were the best.. I have only the fondest of memories of my childhood due to your presence in my life.. I am so sorry you are gone, but I know you are in a much better place and free of pain.. may you be in heaven enjoying the wonderful, spiritual life.. love you always!!
Rita Lyons Olivieri says
Mary Ida– you will never be forgotten. So sad that you left us so early. So many wonderful memories of you enjoying out high school years with our many St Clements friends: Cape trips , Beach trips, card games and fun days too numerous to count. We were so lucky to know you and share so many years in high school together. Like Lynn, Diane and Kathy we will never forget all the wonderful memories of you. You welcomed all of us into your home and heart and showed kindness and generosity of spirit. You and your family were wonderful role models that I will never forget. I am sure you are enjoying peace and joy in heaven. Rest in Peace. Rita Lyons Olivieri
Chopper and Rosemary says
Wish we could have visited Mary in the beauty of Montana. We would have enjoyed a slice of her banana bread and her company. Rest in peace!
Joanne McDonough says
I knew Mary when she lived in Hanson, MA. She worked with me at Paperama. I tried for years to find her online after she left to no avail until we saw this tonight. Both my husband and I adored her and wish we had been able to spend time with her after she moved to Helena. She was one of the nicest people I ever met. We were very sad to read of her passing. Would love to hear more about her.
Ethel L. Wallace says
I searched the records for Mary because my Christmas card came back this year. I am saddened to hear of the loss of my good friend Mary. We worked together at GTE in Quincy, MA. She was working well below her abilities but was a happy and caring soul that we all needed and respected. When she moved to MT. I was able to spend one glorious day touring Yellowstone with her. My memories will always be of her generous spirit. She will be missed.
flossie says
Tomorrow is your 71st birthday and I am hoping that the party in Heaven will begin at midnight. You are so missed. Happy Birthday my friend.
flossie shaw says
Tomorrow marks a year since your passing. You are thought of and so missed. I keep trying to live by your “chill” and “it is what it is” philosophy and some days it works. Missing you….Flossie