Marie Havens

Marie O. Havens, 83, of Fort Wayne, passed to a more perfect place January 5, 2011 after a short, valiant battle against brain cancer. Born in Seattle, Wash., June 23, 1927 she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Beatrice Bolton. Marie graduated from public schools in East Chicago, Indiana, and attended Indiana State Teachers College in Terra Haute, Indiana before she married Thomas F. Havens, who survives, on February 14, 1948 in East Chicago. Marie’s artistry is well known through her gorgeous China paintings, needle work, oil and water color paintings, and stained glass works, many pieces of which are now cherished by the loved ones fortunate to have received her gifts. Marie enjoyed indoor and outdoor gardening, and was especially proud of her African violets and her rose garden. Her love of children extended to hundreds of patrons at Science Central, where she volunteered, and to numerous youngsters at New Haven United Methodist Church, where she was a member and a pre-school nursery volunteer for many years. She is also survived by her children, Thomas R. (Ann) Havens of Fort Wayne, Susi (David) Havens-Bezaire of Dublin, Ohio; brother, Thomas Bolton of Crown Point; grandchildren, Thomas M. Havens of Fort Wayne, Amanda (Jarrod) Schwartz of Indianapolis, Benjamin (Kelsey) Bezaire serving in the U.S. Army, Korea, and Rebecca Bezaire of Dublin, Ohio; great granddaughter who she loved dearly, Arrianna Havens of Fort Wayne. Marie loved, cared for and cherished dozens of “adopted grandchildren”, all of whom adored her as well. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Cooley; and granddaughter, Cassandra Ann Havens. A memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011 at the New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Hwy. E., New Haven with calling one hour prior. Pastor Rick Taylor officiating. Calling is also 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 9, 2011 at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 State Road 930 E., New Haven. Preferred memorials are to Science Central or New Haven United Methodist Church Preschool.