Marie C. Lever

Marie Concetta Lever, “Dolly,” 94, of South Canaan, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home with her husband of 73 years, John, on May 12, 2022. Marie was born in Brooklyn NY., October 14th, 1927. Her mother Elena (Barbato) Bordi, born in Italy, and her father Frederick Bordi, born in France, immigrated to the US in the early 1900s. Marie was so beautiful as a little girl that she got the nickname Dolly. She often spoke fondly of her memories growing up in Brooklyn, such as the large Italian dinners shared by her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins who all lived on the same block. Marie and John met at a tailor shop in 1948 and were engaged after only 2 weeks of dating. She was a stay-at-home mom for their 3 children until they moved to East Islip, a small town on Long Island, NY., in 1959. During her years living in East Islip, she worked as a Secretary at Central Islip State Hospital, retiring at age 55. She enjoyed babysitting her young grandchildren and cooking for her family. In 1988, Marie and John moved to Selah, Washington and helped raise her grandchildren who lived there. She was a devoted church member of the Lady of Lourdes Church and was a beloved catechism teacher. Her last move in 2001, brought Marie and John to South Canaan, PA., where she enjoyed Church, her grandkids, and then her great-grandchildren. Her favorite thing to do was sitting at home with her family and dogs, while watching westerns on TV with her husband. Marie was mostly known by family and friends for her huge heart. She only saw the best in everyone and it was impossible for her to get mad. She was the ultimate role model, making anyone who met her want to be a better person. She showed others what true kindness really was, as well as how to be gentle and compassionate. She was a lover of dogs, having a paw companion a majority of her life. You were unlikely to ever catch her not dressed to impress, sporting her bright pink lipstick even if her plan was to not leave the house. Marie’s famous lasagna, chili, bean soup, sausage sauce, and meatballs with raisins, will be greatly missed. Marie is survived in death by her loving husband: John Lever of South Canaan, PA.; son Brian Lever and wife Gail of Princeton, MA., daughter Karen Warninger and husband Bruce of South Canaan, PA., son Jeffrey Lever and wife Dorothea, (Cookie), of Warwick, NY.; 9 grandchildren: Katie Lever, Timothy Lever, Michael Lever, Allyson Fuentes, Jonathon Warninger, Sarah Warninger, Vanessa Arnold, Elizabeth Warninger, and Myles Warninger; 8 great-grandchildren: Nathaniel, Nora, Jack, Serena, Milo, Devon, Scarlett, and Calvin; sister-in-law Michelena Bordi; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and her beloved dog Stella. She was preceded in death by her brother Frederick Bordi, sister Ann Ambriano, and her two dogs who she called her best friends: Holly and Rusty. Marie’s Catholic faith always brought her great comfort; it is the Lord’s hands that hold her now and forever. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 11:30 AM in St. Mary's Church, 242 Carbondale Road, Waymart, PA. All attending are asked to go directly to the church. A viewing will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2022 from 3-6 PM at Jenkins-Howell Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. There will also be a viewing on Monday morning from 10:30-11:25 AM in St. Mary's Church, prior to the mass. Interment will be in East Canaan Cemetery on Monday.