Nellie Ruth LEVASSEUR

WHITEFIELD -- Nellie Ruth LeVasseur, 79, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care at Glenridge.She was born in Millinocket on Aug. 2, 1926, a daughter of James O. and Winnifred F. LeVasseur.She graduated from Mount Merici Academy in Waterville in 1942, after which she entered the order of Franciscan Missionary of Mary. Ruth, as she was known, was a member of St. Denis Church in Whitefield and for the last 30 years lived in Whitefield and Jefferson. Ruth loved all furry friends, eating out, traveling, card games and gardening.Since 1995, Ruth wintered in Port Richey, Fla., and spent the rest of the year in Jefferson.Ruth worked in the nursing profession for more than 20 years and then became a partner in Victorian Manor in East Pittston and The Pool in North Whitefield until both were sold.Ruth is survived by three brothers, Nelson LeVasseur of East Holden, Dean LeVasseur and his wife, Jean, of Island Pond, Vt., and Patrick LeVasseur and his wife, Wanda of Joppa, Md.Ruth will also be missed by her friend and business partner, Patricia D. Brownell of Jefferson, and the Brownell family: Daniel A. Brownell and his wife, Jen, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Sharon LaMothe and her husband, Joe, of Webster, N.Y., and Derrick A. Brownell of Tampa, Fla. Ruth was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Clotys Cyr; a brother, Richard LeVasseur; and a nephew, Mark LeVasseur. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Denis Church, Whitefield, and burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery at a day and time to be announced in the spring.Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.