September 8 1941 – August 1 2022
Eileen Levasseur passed away with her family at her side in Hamilton, Ontario at the age of 80, after a protracted illness which she faced with courage, grit, and her signature blend of pragmatism and wry humour.
Her memory will continue to be a blessing to her daughter Treasa, her son-in-law Geoffrey, and her granddaughter Emma (Jacob), as well as her sisters Brigid (Billy), Mary (Joe) and Nuala, and her extended family and cherished friends around the world.
Eileen dreamt often over the last year of reuniting with family who preceded her into the great mystery: her husband of 45 years, Léon, her beloved son Kelly, and her brothers James, Denis, Eamon, Joseph and Liam, dear Biddy, and her parents. The week before she died, she described ‘her’ corner of Heaven as a place of ‘merriment and music, where not even God wags a finger at you’, and was looking forward to the fun to be had. She wanted you to know you’re all invited and there’s plenty of room for you there.
Eileen was born in Nenagh, Tipperary, Ireland, and worked as a bank teller before she emigrated to Canada in 1968 on a great adventure. Married in 1970 in Winnipeg, she was actively involved in the Irish Association before moving to North Bay in 1981. There she led the children’s choir at Holy Name, and found her calling working with the Gateway Theatre Guild and the Nipissing Stage Company. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband in his last years, and subsequently moved to Dundas to be closer to her daughter.
Eileen was, over the years, an avid knitter, a sports-watching enthusiast (especially ‘the’ curling), a card shark, a quick wit, a mystery novel aficionado, a champion for the underdog, a steadfast friend and a self-professed terrible cook. To be loved by Eileen was to be relentlessly teased, but as sharp as she could be, she was equally tender, ready with a listening ear and a warm word. Her favourite piece of advice was ‘This above all, to thine own self be true’.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11am on September 8th 2022, at St Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 299 Airport Road, North Bay, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association. The family wishes to send a thank you to the staff of the palliative ward at St Peter’s Hospital for their tender and respectful care.
Treasa and family. Sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mom Eileen. She was a faithful member of Holy Name of Jesus for many year contributing her talents wherever needed. I missed seeing her at church after she moved away. She was a strong, independent lady and it was a privilege to know her. I don’t know how it came about, but my hubby took a particular liking to her bread pudding and she brought him several treats throughout the years of a bowl of pudding!!
I know you will have many memories of both your Mom and Dad, Leon.
Condolences and prayers, Sue and Bruce Robbins
My condolences to Eileens family and friends. Eileen was an amazing woman and I knew the first time I met her but she was special I enjoyed our talks and her company I will miss her
Roswen Gibbon (Roz)
Dear Treasa,
I am sorry for your loss. Your Mom was one of a kind as expressed exceptionally well in her obituary.
Pat McCarthy
Dear Treasa. I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I first met her when I was teaching you and your brother. She was always so helpful. I wish I could have seen her in recent years.
Carmen Cazabon
I worked with Eileen on several Gateway Theatre shows in the 90’s. Being part Irish myself, I related to her right away, and although I saw that bite come out a couple times, she was always kind and helpful with me. I did sound & light production, so we would work closely as a cast & crew, and she was the wise mother we could count on!
I also got to know Treasa and worked with her briefly–a lovely lady, like her mom.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Matthew Whitehead and family.
A Treasa et à ta famille, nos condoléances……nous gardons de bons souvenirs de Eileen. Vous êtes dans nos pensées et nos prières…
Éléonore Rochon
Eileen was a woman to be reckoned with. A rare person who followed her own advise of being true to self and her God. Thank you Eileen for the invite, we hope to make it. Former fellow parishioners of Holy Name of Jesus parish.
I remember Eileen fondly from the days when she volunteered with the Pro-Cathedral youth group. That was a long time ago, but more recently, I would run into Eileen and Léon having breakfast together at the Magic Kettle restaurant. She will be remembered for the smart, friendly person she was.
Thinking of you Treasa with love.
Dear Treasa and Family,
We just Learned of your precious Mother’s passing. My heart goes out to you. Eileen was one of a kind. An amazing lady with a no nonsense approach and a fierce friend. Keeping you in my prayers and happy to know she has been reunited with Leon and Kelly