Marielle E Lefevre

Marielle E. LeFevre, 84, of Forest Home Road, Morrisonville, NY, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013 at her home with her family by her side under the care of Hospice of the North Country. She was born on March 9, 1929 at her father's farm on the Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY. Her parents were Raymond and Priscilla (Hebert) Pellerin. She is predeceased by her daughter, Karen Shields, her parents and her brother Eugene and his wife Madeline as well as her mother and father-in-law Anna and Eugene LeFevre. She graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1947 and Loretta Business School in 1949 as Salutatorian of both classes. She worked briefly as a Legal Secretary before marrying Arthur L. LeFevre on June 18, 1949. Together they raised eight children: Stephen and Nancy (Hobbs), Karen, who passed away in 2002, husband Brian Shields, Jennifer Merrill, Daniel and Maryann (Buckley), Susan Wright and Raymond Wright, Mary and Steven Sayward, Joseph and Nancy (Ahern) and Allan and Tina (Thornton). They have 15 grandchildren: Christopher and Jackie LeFevre, Michael and Janell Shields, Jason Merrill and Beth Mickalonis, Matthew, Meg and Bobby LeFevre, Amanda Wright and Erin Pettograsso, Nicole and Mitchell LeFevre and Emily and Hayden LeFevre. They also have five great grandchildren with number six on the way: Olivia, James and Matthew LeFevre, Stella Mickalonis and Bobby Pettograsso. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Theresa Tessier, Anna LeFevre and her loyal card playing companion, Nancy Frenyea, her brother-in-law Eugene LeFevre and wife Margaret, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Marielle was an active member of St. Alexander's and St. Joseph's Church for over 65 years. She was involved in Harvest Dinners, the Ladies of St. Joseph's and St. Joseph's quilting club. She stitched her love into countless quilts and afghans over the years, often giving them as gifts. Also a skilled seamstress, Marielle made several of her daughter's and daughter's-in-law wedding dresses, including numerous brides maid's and prom dresses. When her children were young, she made many of their clothes and despite a tight budget, the LeFevre children were always well-dressed. Even the girl's Barbie Doll clothes were homemade. Marielle loved cooking for and feeding her family and she treasured many original recipes, especially her cousin Margaret's secret meatball recipe (that was finally disclosed to her daughters later in life); no family meal was complete without her special "Memere rice." She made pies by the dozens and shared them generously with friends and family who frequently stopped in to visit. Arthur and Marielle have always warmly welcomed visitors into their home and Marielle enjoyed playing (and winning) many games of cards with her friends, children and grandchildren. For the past 24 years, Arthur and Marielle spent their winters at Summerhouse in St. Augustine, Fl. where they made several lasting friendships and enjoyed many rounds of golf. Their summers have always been spent between camp on Fern Lake, where very special and lasting memories have been made for four generations, and home where their swimming pool was often full of children, and where they kept a large garden, canning and pickling most of their harvests. Marielle was a devoted wife and companion to Arthur for 64 years. She supported his 32-year career in government with grace and dignity, and became a prominent member of the community herself. She was a woman of strong faith and convictions, passing on her determined spirit and work ethic to her children and grandchildren. As Memere, she had a special bond with each one of her 15 grandkids. Our family is one of rare closeness and she is the glue that holds us together. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday July 17, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday July 18, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Alexander's Church in Morrisonville, burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to North Country Hospice (http://hospicenc.org/) and the North Country Cancer Fund (http://northcountrycancerfund.co/). Members of the Knights of Columbus Council #6067 are asked to meet Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home for services. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York 12901. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com