MARY RUTH (WILLIAMS) LEVARN

ST. ALBANS — Mary Ruth (Williams) Levarn, age 96, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 1, 2023, at her home in St. Albans, Vt., in the presence of her daughter, Robin and Harland Howard.

Mary was born June 15, 1927, in South Starksboro, Vt., to Chester and Ruth (LaFayette) Williams. She attended Bristol High School.

On July 17, 1948, she married Howard C. Levarn of Monkton, Vt., in Lee, Mass.

She is survived by her brother, David Williams of Bristol, Vt.; daughters Robin C. Levarn of St. Albans, Vt., and Corinne Gadwah of East Corinth, Vt.; and son Charles D. Levarn of Lincoln, Vt. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and special cousin Gerald Heffernan.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband (2005), brothers Ted, Allen and Robert, and sister Bertha Dolan. She was also predeceased by her children Gena Belleville, Charmaine Levarn, Mary Ann Gardner, Sheila Austin and Patty Levarn, and two grandchildren, Tye and Bobby.

Mary and Howard lived in Massachusetts for seven years, then returned to Vermont, residing in South Starksboro for five years before buying a home in Lincoln, where they resided for years with their children.

Mary overcame many obstacles in her life, facing each with great courage. Her inner strength was remarkable. She had many talents, including playing piano by ear and painting portraits and still life scenes. She was also an extraordinary cook and enjoyed canning various food. She was especially proud of her piccalilli, which she served on Thanksgiving and Easter and other special occasions. She was an excellent quilter. She also enjoyed gardening and birding.

She was an avid reader of the Addison Independent weekly newspaper. Annually she went with family to the Maine Coast each summer. She looked forward each year to the Lafayette Reunion held the first Sunday of August. She loved getting together with the family.

Her smile was second to none and she always greeted others with enthusiasm. She will surely be missed by all who knew her.

A private graveside service will be held in the spring. Brown-McClay Funeral Home of Bristol, VT is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital;262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Forever in our hearts.  ◊