
Obituary of Mary 'Levina' Embree
Mary "Levina" Embree
July 1, 1960 – January 29, 2025,
Port Hawkesbury, NS
We are saddened to share that Mary Levina Embree passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at home after a courageous almost two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Levina is survived by her life partner, Hughie (Fred) MacDonald, Port Hawkesbury; son, Dylan MacDonald, Halifax; mother, Shirley Embree, Port Hawkesbury; brother, Arthur (Alice), Cole Harbour; brother, Bruce, Port Hawkesbury; sister-in-law, Sandra MacLellan, Glendale; nieces and nephews, Evan, Alexandra, Jacob, Vanessa, Isaac, and Rylan.
Levina was predeceased by her father, Ellsworth "Sam" Embree, and infant son, Kyle.
Levina grew up in Port Hawkesbury and graduated from the Strait Area Education Recreation Centre and Canso Regional Vocational School. While a student, she played basketball and figure skated, and enjoyed going to dances and hockey games.
After moving to Halifax, she worked for Household Finance Corporation and the Royal Bank of Canada. She enjoyed city life until returning to Port Hawkesbury in the late 1980s. She continued to work for RBC there. She also worked post-retirement, including with H&R Block. She was an active volunteer for twenty years with the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Levina was a dedicated employee and volunteer, with an incredible work ethic, but was happiest when relaxing at the beach, especially at her beloved Marble Mountain. She also treasured her trips south. She had a close circle of cherished friends who will long remember her, and she enjoyed entertaining, feeding people, shopping, and socializing.
Levina was a proud Cape Bretoner, who was dedicated to her family and friends, and who loved animals. She always lived life to the fullest, including after her cancer diagnosis, inspiring the rest of us with her example. She completed house projects, socialized, went on two short trips with an old friend, and had a wonderful trip to Jamaica.
Sincere thanks to all medical staff who provided care to Levina, with special acknowledgement to Kiayla, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Gillis, and the 4th floor oncology staff at St. Martha’s Hospital. Thank you also to the many good friends, family members, and well wishers who supported Levina and her family during her illness.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held this summer. Memorial donations may be made to Hope for Wildlife.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.