Mary EATON

MARY EATON LeFEVRE, daughter of Cyrus S. Eaton Sr., married to Dr. Fay A. LeFevre, former Chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, lived over 93 years. She was a most elegant lady, whether in her riding outfit as a young girl, or dressed in a flowing gown at the Assembly Ball.She was voted May Queen at Hathaway Brown School. During her college years at Connecticut College, Class of 1933, she played the Madonna in the Christmas pageant, and once when crossing the equator, she was elected to Neptune's Court. As a wife and mother, she still managed to pursue many activities. A member of the Junior League Garden Club and the Colony Garden Club, she won numerous first prizes there and at the Town and County Garden Club. Not satisfied with the easier arrangements, she fell in love with the Japanese artistic traditions, and became a member of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana in Cleveland. Several Ichiyo Home and Placement shows were hosted at her home. She was also a supporter of the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland. Her true love was music. She was not only an accomplished pianist herself, but an avid supporter of the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Women's Committee of the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Cleveland International Piano Competitions. One of her most treasured memories was that in 1985 Daejin Kim stayed at her home, practiced on her Steinway and ultimately won the Cleveland International Piano Competition. Daejin credited her with providing a calming atmosphere that allowed him to relax and concentrate so he could focus on the works he needed to perform. She loved to read and was a member of the Friends of the Cleveland Public Library. She was a member of numerous clubs and organizations. These included The Junior League of Cleveland, the Union Club, Intown Club, Mayfield Country Club, Country Club and the Hunt Club. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Robert Eaton LeFevre of Modesto, CA and David Eaton LeFevre of New York City, NY; grandsons William (wife Heidi) and David (wife Amy) LeFevre and great grandchildren, Essa, James, Reed and Robert, dear sister of Cyrus S. Eaton Jr., and MacPherson Eaton. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions, in her name, to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185 St., Cleveland, OH, 44119 or Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH, 44106. Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 3630 on Fairmount Blvd. (at Eaton Rd.) on Thursday, December 29 at 11:00 am. For further information and directions log online at www.legacy.com. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216-752-1200 Published in The Plain Dealer from 12/23/2005 - 12/28/2005.