Rose Hill Funeral Home
Marie A. LeVan - Educator, Soroptimist, Poet and Artist
Marie Arlene LeVan of Meriden died peacefully at home on August 29, 2019, five days shy of her 111th birthday. She was born on September 3, 1908 in Pennsylvania to Arthur B. LeVan and Margaret (Schweitzer) LeVan and was raised in Hartford, Connecticut.
In 1936, Marie received a Bachelor of Arts degree as a member of the inaugural graduating class of the University of Saint Joseph, where she was president and pianist for the Glee Club. She earned a Master of Arts degree from Trinity College and a Master of Education degree from the University of Hartford, as well as continuing graduate studies at Southern University of Connecticut and the Gesell Institute in New Haven.
A dedicated educator, Marie spent the first 25 years of her long career at Berlin High School, where she taught English, French, Latin, American History, and Problems of Democracy. She also taught Psychology at the College of New Britain and trained psychology interns at Fairfield University. Beginning in the late 1950s until her retirement in 1973, Marie served within the Meriden School System as Dean of Girls, School Psychologist, and Director of Pupil Personnel.
Marie actively participated in civic and community projects. In 2016, she was recognized for 70 years of active membership and leadership by Soroptimist International of the Americas, a service organization dedicated to bettering the lives of women and girls. She served on Governor Grasso's Advisory Committee on Cystic Fibrosis. Other interests included Book Discussion Group, Arts and Crafts Association, Meriden Poetry Society, and Central Connecticut Child Guidance Clinic.
In 2018, Marie was recognized by the South Congregational Church as their longest living member, having joined in 1924. There she served on various committees, taught Sunday School, and co-captained the Girl Scouts.
In her personal life, Marie enjoyed painting, writing and reading poetry, following current events, and having lively conversations with friends and family. She was an avid musician, with brief stints as church organist and jazz band pianist. She was also well traveled, having visited Europe, South America, New Zealand, Egypt, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Predeceased by brother Malvern A. LeVan and sister Ethel M.Schuetz, Marie is survived by nephews Christopher Schuetz (Faith), Gregory Schuetz (Mary), and Jeffrey Schuetz (Nita Beck), seven great nephews and nieces, two great-great nieces, and godson Steven Dick (Antoinette).
Burial on Saturday, September 14, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, CT, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 277 Main Street, Hartford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marie A. LeVan '36 Scholarship Fund, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117; the Meriden Soroptimist Club, P.O. Box 380, Meriden, CT 06450; or the Meriden Poetry Society c/o Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Please share expressions of sympathy, memories, or photo tributes at Rosehillfuneralhomes.com.
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