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Alevia Anne Healey (Cassidy)
November 16, 1940 – August 16, 2023
Fágann saol maith ina dhiaidh oidhreacht álainn
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mum, Alevia Anne Healey (Cassidy) after a short but courageous battle with cancer in her 83rd year. Alevia left us peacefully in the comfort of her Howe Island home overlooking the St. Lawrence River surrounded by those she loved so dearly.
Born in Kingston, Ontario to Donald and Florence (Donnelly) Cassidy, she attended Notre Dame High School and Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute. In her youth she enjoyed fishing with her father and spending time on Pitcairn Island with the Cassidy and Donnelly clans and travelling to Kingston Mills to visit her uncle, the lock master. Alevia worked with some of the original group of women that worked as guides at Fort Henry and in the historical artefacts section, a job she so enjoyed.
She met her future husband Ray Healey, a Queen’s University engineering graduate, when he was working at Dupont and they enjoyed a life full of adventure, travel, countless great meals and beers listening to the “Hawk” in Norval. Sault Ste. Marie and Bala played an important part in her life and that of her family, as she enjoyed boating on the Muskoka’s, swimming, endless hours picking raspberries at the “Farm” and family BBQ at Pointe des Chênes. For many years skiing was a passion with the annual ski trips with friends, and she was doing yoga long before it became a fad.
After raising their four children in Mississauga and supporting Ray’s professional career for over 50 years, Alevia moved back to the Kingston area to be close to her ancestral roots on Howe Island, the place where her family settled in 1818, and where she felt most at home with her daughters as the matriarch of the “Ladies of the River”.
Alevia’s infectious laugh, unconditional generosity, strong work ethic and deep commitment to family and friends never wavered through the many health issues she encountered throughout the years. Even after the sudden passing of both her husband, Ray in 2011, and the tragic loss of her youngest son Peter in 2013, Alevia remained strong and resolute throughout, always looking ahead to the future.
Proud of her Irish heritage and connection to Howe Island, she was both stubborn and determined to a fault. Alevia embodied a generation of women who quietly went about their life with dignity and purpose.
Independent in both spirit and action she was a naturally gifted and skilled individual. Alevia possessed an abundance of imagination and creativity. Alevia was a hostess of exceptional grace and talent, a chef of immense skill, a gardener and interior designer with an exquisite eye for details, and a woman with a keen sense of style and flair. Her presence was felt when she entered a room, and she could always be counted on to surprise you.
An attentive and good listener she did not pass judgement but displayed compassion and warmth to those in her orbit. Alevia’s ability to express herself reached all generations, as she had as many admirers within her children’s group of friends as she did in her own age group. Her accomplishments are not measured in awards and public recognition, but in the level of affection and love that was displayed by her and towards her.
The values and strength of fortitude she displayed throughout her life was demonstrated by her two daughters during her final months, as she required continuous care. Alison and Christine provided her with the love, dignity, and grace to live out her final days on her terms.
Mum will be missed by many but her spirit will live within those she touched. Alevia leaves behind her son Scott, daughter-in-law Ellen Hall, daughters Alison and Christine, Peter’s long-time partner Bersabeh Jaffari, a wonderful and caring extended family and the many dear friends that she loved so much; Mum remembers you so fondly.
In the journey of life there are so many that you touch and are touched by to mention. Alevia and family wish to thank Dr. Marian Luka for her care and compassion and all those medical professionals that have supported Mum in these final days.
You gave us so much Mum, thank you with our eternal love.
Alevia’s Kitchen will always be Alevia’s Kitchen.
The internment will be at a future date at St. Mary’s Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Howe Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue in recognition of their 24 hour support to the Howe Island community. For those desiring to donate in Alevia’s memory by Credit Card please contact Tompkins Funeral Home.
A life well-lived leaves behind a beautiful legacy
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November 16 1940
August 16 2023
Death notice for the town of: Gananoque, Province: Ontario
death notice Alevia Anne Healey November 16 1940
August 16 2023
obituaries notice Alevia Anne Healey November 16 1940
August 16 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Alevia Anne Healey November 16 1940
August 16 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
