MARIE O. HAVENS

MARIE O. HAVENS, 83, of Fort Wayne, passed to a more perfect place on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 after a short valiant battle against brain cancer. Born June 23, 1927, in Seattle, Wash., she was a daughter of the late Floyd and Beatrice Bolton. She graduated from public schools in East Chicago, Indiana, and attended Indiana State Teachers College, Terra Haute. She then married Thomas F. Havens on Feb. 14, 1948, in East Chicago; he survives. Her 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. She 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, Arrianna Havens of Fort Wayne whom she loved dearly. "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. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Hwy. E., New Haven, with calling one hour prior. Pastor Rick Taylor officiating. Calling also from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 State Road 930 E., New Haven. Preferred memorials to Science Central or New Haven United Methodist Church Preschool. www.harperfuneralhome.com