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Mary Ellen Levsen
MARY ELLEN LEVSEN
Iowa City
Mary Ellen Levsen, 96, of Iowa City, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Oaknoll Retirement Residence.
She was born in Olin, Iowa, to Harry Levsen and Minna (Rohwedder) Levsen. Following graduation from Olin High School, she stayed on the farm, where she enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and caring for visiting nieces and nephews. During her mother's declining years Mary cared for her at home.
Following her mother's death, Mary joined her sister, Doris, in Iowa City. Mary volunteered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics gift shop, became an accomplished bridge player and was a treasured neighbor in University Heights. Most important to Mary, she continued her role at the core of her extended family. In later years, she and her sister also welcomed a new generation of friends into their hearts and home.
Mary was an avid reader and intensely interested in local and national politics. She was also an accomplished needleworker with a special devotion to cross stitch. One of her most beautiful works bears the words "In the loom of life let us weave joy and happy memories." And Mary did.
Mary is survived by her sister and dearest friend, Doris Levsen of Iowa City; her brother, Jay Levsen of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Herbert Levsen of Olin, Erna (Levsen) White of San Diego and Joe Levsen of Olin; and her niece, K.C. Levsen of Cedar Rapids.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City at 10 S. Gilbert St. (corner at Iowa Avenue). The Rev. Stephen Protzman will officiate. Parking will be on the street or in the ramp across Gilbert Street, with entrance from Iowa Avenue. Reception will follow in the church basement. Interment will be at a later date in Olin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550 to support the Levsen Cancer Research Fund. On the memo line, please note that the gift is in memory of Mary E. Levsen.
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