Martha Levensaler

Martha Levensaler, beloved wife of Dick LeFebvre, found the peace she sought on July 16th. Martha was an extraordinary Alaska conservation community hero, working on environmental issues that were her passion since coming to Alaska in 1989. Martha was born July 1, 1955 in Concord, New Hampshire, where she grew up with her sister Cindy Levensaler Little. Martha grew up loving the outdoors, swimming at the family cabin on Lake Winnipesaukee, where she continued to visit, spending time with family and close friends. To her New Hampshire family Martha was affectionately known as Auntie M.

In Alaska Martha served as Vice President of the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE) Board of Directors and was an active and integral part of the ACE family. She has been a longstanding and extraordinary member of the greater Alaska conservation community since she came to Alaska to help clean up the Exxon Valdez oil spill. She intended to only stay for three months but fell in love with Alaska's beauty, bounty and people, and decided to make it her home.

Martha worked for the National Wildlife Federation in Alaska for 12 years. She helped found the Alaska Women's Environmental Network (AWEN) in 1997, fostering relationship building and training for women professionals in the conservation movement. It was through AWEN that Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) was founded. She was a key mentor to the founding leaders of AYEA and worked tirelessly to help build support for the program.

Martha also worked for the Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC) as Climate Change Coordinator in 2008 and continued engagement with AMCC over the years, assisting with board development and planning. Martha transitioned in 2009 to the League of Conservation Voters in the role of State Board Effectiveness Director, conducting state league capacity building for boards throughout the country, including close work with the Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA) and Alaska Conservation Voters (ACV). She was passionate about her work and particularly her coworkers in the "Division of Fun" as they were known.

In addition to her professional career, Martha held many important roles in the Alaska conservation movement for several decades. She served on the boards of ACA and AMCC, volunteered actively with ACV, as well as serving on the ACE board.

Martha embodied what it means to be part of the conservation "community"; sharing advise and resources, mentoring, volunteering for every activity, and donating to a range of organizations.

Martha died shortly after her 58th birthday here in Anchorage, Alaska, leaving behind her husband and life partner, Dick LeFebvre; sister, Cynthia Levensaler Little, nephew, Seth Little, both of Epsom, New Hampshire; niece, Trois Montana of Pembroke, New Hampshire, and one great-niece and 3 great-nephews all of New Hampshire. She also leaves behind her dear cousin, Jeffrey Levensaler of Arlington, Virginia. Martha's Alaskan family includes her step-son, Scott LeFebvre, step-daughter Cherie LeFebvre Wagahoft and her dear step-grandchildren, Willem and Audrey Wagahoft (who called Martha "Grandma Freckles"), all of Anchorage.

Martha's legacy is her incomparable spirit and personality which was able to control the demons of despondency for so long, her dedication to Alaska and the conservation community and her infectious laugh that brought smiles to all. This legacy will be celebrated on July 28th at 3:00 p.m. at the Fox Hollow Chalet, located at 11801 Brayton Drive, Anchorage, Alaska. Martha and Dick's friends and loved ones are invited to this Celebration of Martha's life.

In memory of Martha, the family suggests that donations be made to either:

The Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund, c/o Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), 921 West 6th Avenue, Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99501; or Alaska Cares (caring for abused children), c/o Providence Alaska Foundation, P.O. Box 196604, Anchorage, Alaska 99519, online: providencealaskafoundation.org.