Obituary of Annie Levyssohn

In 1967 Annie and Emile (with baby Louise on-the-way) boarded a cruiseship to move to Canada to start the adventure of a lifetime. Annie won the ship’s hat-crafting contest and danced with the captain! Did she ever know how to have a good time. She was creative, imaginative, industrious, entrepreneurial and extremely hard working, and so talented. If the Levyssohns needed something, they’d grow it, make it, sew it, fix it or invent it. Annie’s Craft Shop store had our Annie famous at all the local markets, as did her baking the very BEST bread and jam. She was a skilled professional seamstress, creating outfits and costumes from scratch, and she outfitted people for hundreds of weddings, meeting so many people through the markets and her shop; she was loved by all she encountered. She was such a gentle, caring, kind soul, and her sweet smile, good nature and genuine interest in those she met endeared her in the hearts of all, including all animals, from birds to deer, and all the pets the Levyssohn’s had over the years. There really was nothing Annie couldn’t do; teaching gym and assistant-teaching on a reserve); opening her heart and her home to foster children, offering room and board for students ($5/day got you board and 3 incredible home-cooked meals); working as housekeeping supervisor at the Riverview correctional facility and teaching the residents home ec; speaking 3 languages; teaching herself whatever skill she saw next to trailblaze the crafting community… She was a true pioneer with a zest for life, and her generosity was endless. A bout of cancer changed their pace in 1995. Annie also proved to be incredibly strong and resilient and beat cancer, too. She will always be our hero.

Fiercely devoted to her family, she put all she had into being a wonderful mother, and they had some wonderful times, playing, dancing and listening to music, beach trips, crafting, painting, travelling, sharing a laugh, and cooking the best food (Annie was an amazing cook, and professional peeler of gazillions of potatoes in Holland, starting young working at her parent’s restaurant). The family helped and worked together, especially in the garden with the green thumb passed down to her children, growing much of their own food. She delighted in her grandchildren, her playful sense of fun and youthfulness making her the best Oma to Madison and Hannah. 

She and Emile have a deep homeland pride and love for the Netherlands, which was so evident in her work, her home, décor and cooking, and how she lived. Their heritage was evident throughout their house, from windmills and tulips abounding, and a pair of Klompen (those wooden Dutch clog shoes) on every stair and in every corner! She and son Johan represented Holland in the Moncton 100 anniversary event. Their collection of postcards and photographs is second to none. They missed their homeland, and their homeland missed them. And now we will miss her, too.

Heaven certainly gained an angel but her kindness is still needed on this earth. Perhaps we can take these words to heart and be the kindness to others that was so characteristic of our Annie. 

Rest in peace sweet Mama – you are one of a kind and shall never be forgotten. 

Our deepest gratitude goes out to the Stam family, Nick and Christine, for their friendship, and for opening up their hearts and home to Annie and Emile and taking such loving care of them. 

In Annies memory, donations made to the Alzheimers Society, Cancer Society, or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. 

A memorial service will be held at Fergusons Riverview Community Chapel Tuesday April 2 at 1pm. A celebration of Annie will take place afterwards on-site at the reception following the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre, 214 Pine Glen Rd, Riverview, NB. E1B 1V6

www.FergusonsRiverview.com