Nevitt Maybee

MAYBEE, NEVITT DAVIDSON (NEE BLACK)

1925-2020

Peacefully at Extendicare Starwood, Ottawa on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at age 94. Survived by her five children, John, Maylanne, Brenda (Val), Chris Ryerson (Michele) and Alan (Peggy), 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband John (Jack) Ryerson Maybee in 2009.

Born in Beijing, China, Nevitt married Jack at the end of WWII. When Jack joined the Department of External Affairs, Nevitt became a diplomat’s wife on postings to China, Australia, U.S.A., Lebanon and India.

Nevitt was a pioneer and advocate for women’s ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood of the Anglican Church of Canada in 1987, served as a chaplain at the Ottawa Hospital, and an honorary assistant at All Saints Westboro for 33 years.

Nevitt always tried to be of service, including as a Scout and Guide leader and Sunday School teacher. In the Middle East, she championed people with intellectual disabilities, and in India, she and Jack brought eye care to the poorest areas through Operation Eyesight Universal.

Nevitt was a natural leader, as President of Anglican Church Women of Ottawa, the Ottawa Council of Women, on the board of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, and the National Executive Committee of the Anglican Church. After Jack’s retirement, Nevitt guided tours to China, India, Australia, and Lebanon.

Nevitt’s qualities included a deep religious faith, loyalty to her loved ones, discipline and order in her household, thrift in her expenditures and generosity in her giving. She kept impeccable records, and wrote hundreds of notes, cards and letters to her wide circle of friends. She defied death at least three times before going to her final reward.

Friends may call at the Westboro Chapel of Tubman Funeral Home, 403 Richmond Road at Roosevelt on Friday, February 7th from 6 to 8 p.m.  A celebration of Nevitt’s life will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Westboro on Saturday, Feb.8 at 2 p.m.