Marilyn June Levy

On her own terms, Marilyn June Levy passed away on May 31, 2025, 14 days into her 94^th year. She survived her cherished husband, Philip, for 18 years. She was predeceased by her parents Dora and Carman McAllister of Ridgetown.  She is survived by her two brothers, Ken (Lois) and Keith (Paulette), several Eberle cousins and is already greatly missed by her 7 nephews and nieces, 14 great-nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nephews and a niece.

Born in Ridgetown with a thirst for knowledge and adventure, June obtained her Teacher Certificate after high school and never looked back.  Starting in a small, one-room schoolhouse in Ridgetown, then onto Leamington for a short stay, June eventually moved to London, where she taught at Mountsfield Public School and was part of the team that opened the new Tweedsmuir Public School in 1959.  While in Teacher’s College and living in London, she met a few women who would become lifelong friends – driving to the East Coast (because they could!), attending Church services and socials, joining choirs, amateur theatre troupes and going dancing in their younger years, then later, meetings for dinners and coffees, sharing their lifetimes.  June attended the University of Western Ontario, studying in the evenings and on school breaks to attain her Bachelor of Arts degree, about which she was rightfully proud.  Teaching elementary school in London eventually led her to Acton District High School where she spent the final 16 years of her career teaching “her kids”.

Teaching was more than a career to June; it was her calling. Often asked to take more senior administrative roles in the schools, she turned down all offers; a dedicated Art teacher for much of her career, her passion was in a class with students.  She always spoke with great affection about her years in the classroom and field trips and excursions, each crafted to bring the best learning and most fun for her students. June considered teaching so many children and young people throughout 35 years her greatest privilege.

After retirement, June and her beloved Philip returned to London to be closer to family and the best hospitals for Philip. After dedicating her younger life to students, she next dedicated herself to full-time care and advocacy for Philip.  Also, upon returning to London she joined the Newcomers Club and the Retired Teachers Organization, where she was firstly a newcomer herself and then later an active participant in both groups for many years, enjoying the camaraderie and friendships.

After Philip passed away, June embarked on several excursions and changes.  With time to finally focus on herself, she railed against aging gracefully and insisted on her independence and ability to do what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it.  There was no moss growing under her feet or in her mind!  She spent the final 8 years of her life at Royal Cliff Retirement Residence, making new friends, enjoying outings, movies and being close to family and friends. She was engaged and engaging until her last breath.

June travelled and saw more of the world and life than she ever dreamed possible as a young girl growing up on a farm in rural Ontario during the Great Depression and World War II.  She was on the leading edge of women having a voice at the table and broke more ground than she could ever be thanked for. She would deny it, but the legacy she leaves her family, particularly with her nieces, is one of daring greatly to do more and be more than one thinks is possible. “Why not?” her voice echoes in their ears.  June was a role model, committed to the people she loved and cherished and to her ideals; she was fiercely independent and courageous. She is missed.

A short interment ceremony will take place at Woodland Cemetery in London, where she will be placed to rest beside Philip on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends are welcome to join the family there.  Because she will be forever celebrated by those who knew and loved her, no luncheon or additional gathering is planned; everyone will commemorate June in their own way.  In lieu of flowers or as a memorial, a donation to the charity of your choice would be welcome.