Obituary of Mary Isobel Levers

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Isobel Levers (nee Cosford) announce her passing on July 4, 2024 at the age of 100. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Atchison and Jean Bacon, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Kristen Avivi (Rishona Avivi and Dylan Walsh), Jennifer and Clive Gaunt (Matthew and Shay Gaunt, Charlotte and Ben Farrell), Erin and Darrell Janzen, ( Kylie and Emily), Kent and Angela Bacon (Carter and Cosford), Paul Bacon (Amelia and Mylo) and Rob and Fahn Bacon (Archer and Briar) as well as two great-great grandchildren, Ava Gaunt and Robyn Farrell. She was predeceased by her husband, John Levers and grandson Caleb Janzen.

Mary was born November 25, 1923 in Simpson SK, to Bill and Winnie Cosford, the third of three children including her sister, Stella, and her brother, Jack.  Mary attended City Hospital Nursing School from 1942 to 1945 graduating as a registered nurse. She married her husband, John, in 1947.  A highlight for the family was to travel with their trailer to many parts of Canada and the US. Later, they spent many wonderful summers with their children and grandchildren at the cabin at Pike Lake.  Mary won a trip to Hawaii in 1962 in a Players Bowling Competition.  John often remarked that it was the best thing that ever happened.

Mary spent many years at home when Ann and Jean were young, doing volunteer work in the church and community.  As Ann and Jean grew older, she stepped back into the world of work with her nursing background.  She was the Seniors’ Liaison Coordinator for the Senior Citizens’ Provincial Council where she travelled throughout the province.  She worked in Medical Genetics with Dr. Ives and Dr. Shokeir and as a research assistant on a study reframing patient care at the Royal University Hospital.  She was a founding member of the Saskatoon Council on Aging and led the Blood Pressure Clinic for 15 years, during which the number of visits to the clinic was 23,689.   In 1994, Mary received the Canada Volunteer Award.  Mary’s move to Luther Tower provided her with so many opportunities for friendship and fun, including the Stair-Climbing Fundraising Event, in which she participated up to February 2024.

Mary had an assisted death. She spent her last months ensuring that all of her plans were in place and that each one in her family had something from her as a remembrance.  Mary was a wonderful mom, grandma and GG and a good friend to many others, sharing her wisdom, kindness, wit, fire and fun with all of us. She taught us how to love by being loveable.

The family would like to thank the staff at Luther Tower, where she resided so happily for 21 years, for their dedication, commitment and friendship and also to the MAID team for their kindness and commitment to all of us.  A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada or the Arthritis Society of Canada.