Marion Wright Backus Leavens " Pinkie" of Naples, and West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, MA, passed away peacefully at age 100 on July 3, 2008 in Naples.
Born in Windsor Locks, CT on August 27, 1907, she was the daughter of Lillian and Harold Backus, M.D. Raised in West Hartford, Mrs. Leavens was a graduate of the University of Vermont and married John M. Leavens in 1932.
They were long time residents of Summit, NJ where they raised their three sons and where Marion was active in Calvary Episcopal Church, the College Club, the Summit Playhouse, and throughout her life, in Pi Phi Sorority.
Summers were spent on the Vineyard where the Leavens family sailed their catboat "Pinkletink." In 1962 the Leavens founded the Catboat Association, attracting members from around the world.
For the past 25 years, Marion resided at Lely Palms Retirement Community in Naples and continued to summer on the Vineyard.
Throughout her remarkable life Marion remained deeply involved with her extended family and was noted for her wit, charm and ability to recite her own poetry at many family celebrations.
She belonged to the Martha's Vineyard Museum, conservation groups, and garden clubs where she cultivated plants and enduring friendships. On the Vineyard, she enjoyed driving a 1947 Willys Jeep, walking the beaches, and being close to nature.
Her cheerful attitude, independent spirit, concern for others and Yankee practicality endeared her to many. Over the years, she maintained a forwardthinking, optimistic outlook that inspired people of all ages.
Marion is survived by two sons, Peter (Sharon) of Newark, DE and Douglas (Judy) of Kensington, MD; granddaughters, Karla Leavens and Jillian Cosgrove; grandson, Ivan Leavens, greatgranddaughter, Alexa Cosgrove; great-grandsons, Miles and Sloan Leavens; five nieces; two nephews; seven greatnieces; and four great-nephews; along with their children.
She was predeceased by her husband; eldest son, John M. Leavens Jr; grandsons, Andrew D. Leaven and Alexander W. Leavens; and sister, Ann B. Muddle.
Services will be held at Lely Palms on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverends Bob and Jane Wallace, officiating. Interment will be in August on the Vineyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Naples Retirement, Inc., 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113, a foundation to provide services for the residents or to a charity of one's choice. Fuller Funeral Home fullerfuneralhom e.com 417-5000
Born in Windsor Locks, CT on August 27, 1907, she was the daughter of Lillian and Harold Backus, M.D. Raised in West Hartford, Mrs. Leavens was a graduate of the University of Vermont and married John M. Leavens in 1932.
They were long time residents of Summit, NJ where they raised their three sons and where Marion was active in Calvary Episcopal Church, the College Club, the Summit Playhouse, and throughout her life, in Pi Phi Sorority.
Summers were spent on the Vineyard where the Leavens family sailed their catboat "Pinkletink." In 1962 the Leavens founded the Catboat Association, attracting members from around the world.
For the past 25 years, Marion resided at Lely Palms Retirement Community in Naples and continued to summer on the Vineyard.
Throughout her remarkable life Marion remained deeply involved with her extended family and was noted for her wit, charm and ability to recite her own poetry at many family celebrations.
She belonged to the Martha's Vineyard Museum, conservation groups, and garden clubs where she cultivated plants and enduring friendships. On the Vineyard, she enjoyed driving a 1947 Willys Jeep, walking the beaches, and being close to nature.
Her cheerful attitude, independent spirit, concern for others and Yankee practicality endeared her to many. Over the years, she maintained a forwardthinking, optimistic outlook that inspired people of all ages.
Marion is survived by two sons, Peter (Sharon) of Newark, DE and Douglas (Judy) of Kensington, MD; granddaughters, Karla Leavens and Jillian Cosgrove; grandson, Ivan Leavens, greatgranddaughter, Alexa Cosgrove; great-grandsons, Miles and Sloan Leavens; five nieces; two nephews; seven greatnieces; and four great-nephews; along with their children.
She was predeceased by her husband; eldest son, John M. Leavens Jr; grandsons, Andrew D. Leaven and Alexander W. Leavens; and sister, Ann B. Muddle.
Services will be held at Lely Palms on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverends Bob and Jane Wallace, officiating. Interment will be in August on the Vineyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Naples Retirement, Inc., 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113, a foundation to provide services for the residents or to a charity of one's choice. Fuller Funeral Home fullerfuneralhom e.com 417-5000
Marion Wright Backus Leavens " Pinkie" of Naples, and West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, MA, passed away peacefully at age 100 on July 3, 2008 in Naples.
Born in Windsor Locks, CT on August 27, 1907, she was the daughter of Lillian and Harold Backus, M.D. Raised in West Hartford, Mrs. Leavens was a graduate of the University of Vermont and married John M. Leavens in 1932.
They were long time residents of Summit, NJ where they raised their three sons and where Marion was active in Calvary Episcopal Church, the College Club, the Summit Playhouse, and throughout her life, in Pi Phi Sorority.
Summers were spent on the Vineyard where the Leavens family sailed their catboat "Pinkletink." In 1962 the Leavens founded the Catboat Association, attracting members from around the world.
For the past 25 years, Marion resided at Lely Palms Retirement Community in Naples and continued to summer on the Vineyard.
Throughout her remarkable life Marion remained deeply involved with her extended family and was noted for her wit, charm and ability to recite her own poetry at many family celebrations.
She belonged to the Martha's Vineyard Museum, conservation groups, and garden clubs where she cultivated plants and enduring friendships. On the Vineyard, she enjoyed driving a 1947 Willys Jeep, walking the beaches, and being close to nature.
Her cheerful attitude, independent spirit, concern for others and Yankee practicality endeared her to many. Over the years, she maintained a forwardthinking, optimistic outlook that inspired people of all ages.
Marion is survived by two sons, Peter (Sharon) of Newark, DE and Douglas (Judy) of Kensington, MD; granddaughters, Karla Leavens and Jillian Cosgrove; grandson, Ivan Leavens, greatgranddaughter, Alexa Cosgrove; great-grandsons, Miles and Sloan Leavens; five nieces; two nephews; seven greatnieces; and four great-nephews; along with their children.
She was predeceased by her husband; eldest son, John M. Leavens Jr; grandsons, Andrew D. Leaven and Alexander W. Leavens; and sister, Ann B. Muddle.
Services will be held at Lely Palms on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverends Bob and Jane Wallace, officiating. Interment will be in August on the Vineyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Naples Retirement, Inc., 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113, a foundation to provide services for the residents or to a charity of one's choice. Fuller Funeral Home fullerfuneralhom e.com 417-5000
Born in Windsor Locks, CT on August 27, 1907, she was the daughter of Lillian and Harold Backus, M.D. Raised in West Hartford, Mrs. Leavens was a graduate of the University of Vermont and married John M. Leavens in 1932.
They were long time residents of Summit, NJ where they raised their three sons and where Marion was active in Calvary Episcopal Church, the College Club, the Summit Playhouse, and throughout her life, in Pi Phi Sorority.
Summers were spent on the Vineyard where the Leavens family sailed their catboat "Pinkletink." In 1962 the Leavens founded the Catboat Association, attracting members from around the world.
For the past 25 years, Marion resided at Lely Palms Retirement Community in Naples and continued to summer on the Vineyard.
Throughout her remarkable life Marion remained deeply involved with her extended family and was noted for her wit, charm and ability to recite her own poetry at many family celebrations.
She belonged to the Martha's Vineyard Museum, conservation groups, and garden clubs where she cultivated plants and enduring friendships. On the Vineyard, she enjoyed driving a 1947 Willys Jeep, walking the beaches, and being close to nature.
Her cheerful attitude, independent spirit, concern for others and Yankee practicality endeared her to many. Over the years, she maintained a forwardthinking, optimistic outlook that inspired people of all ages.
Marion is survived by two sons, Peter (Sharon) of Newark, DE and Douglas (Judy) of Kensington, MD; granddaughters, Karla Leavens and Jillian Cosgrove; grandson, Ivan Leavens, greatgranddaughter, Alexa Cosgrove; great-grandsons, Miles and Sloan Leavens; five nieces; two nephews; seven greatnieces; and four great-nephews; along with their children.
She was predeceased by her husband; eldest son, John M. Leavens Jr; grandsons, Andrew D. Leaven and Alexander W. Leavens; and sister, Ann B. Muddle.
Services will be held at Lely Palms on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverends Bob and Jane Wallace, officiating. Interment will be in August on the Vineyard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Naples Retirement, Inc., 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113, a foundation to provide services for the residents or to a charity of one's choice. Fuller Funeral Home fullerfuneralhom e.com 417-5000
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