Nell Wells Quirk Levay left this earth and was born into Heaven at 6:23 am on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the age of 89 years and 11 months. She passed away at her home in St. Mary's City with her husband by her side.

Nell was born April 13, 1924 on her family's farm in Pearson, Maryland, now known as Cedar Point on Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Nell was the daughter of the late Mattie Dawson and George Russell Quirk.

She is survived by her husband of more than 62 years, Dr. Julius A. Levay, her daughter, Ann Chaconas (Lou) of Louisville, Kentucky, her son, John Levay of Park Hall, MD, and her grandchildren, Alex, Adam and Allegra Chaconas, and Michael Levay.

Nell was an educator for 40 years, having taught Home Economics at Great Mills High School where a Home Economics suite is named in her honor. She was the Social Committee Chairperson of many school events, mentor to new teachers and taught students the art and intricacies of cooking, sewing and managing family life. Nell also taught Home Economics at St. Mary's College for several years prior to her career at Great Mills. Seldom did she go anywhere in St. Mary's County that she wasn't fondly remembered, and didn't hear, "Mrs. Levay! You taught me in class!"

Nell graduated as Co-Valedictorian from Great Mills High School in 1941, received her Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics from Western Maryland in 1945, followed by an a Masters in Home Economics from Penn State University.

She was a born educator who loved teaching, and finally retired in 1991 after teaching thousands of students. Nell received a Governor's Citation upon her retirement for devotion to her students and her fellow teachers throughout her career.

Nell was an expert seamstress. Through her life she made many gorgeous projects, works of art and quilts for her family to cherish. Nell was also an accomplished baker and cook. She hosted countless parties in her home and at her work settings. For 30 years she hosted parties for colleagues in education, neighbors, and friends who enjoyed grilled chicken dinners, crabbing, fishing, boating, and the swimming pool. She hosted the Levay New Year's Eve parties for so long that, the first year she didn't have the party, people came anyway.

Nell thoroughly enjoyed gardening and being with her family. Throughout her life she always loved traveling and did so, extensively. She was one of the first women to drive the Alaskan Highway after WWII. Upon her retirement, her travels took her all over the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Europe.

For many years, Nell was a pioneer of women in banking as she was the first woman on a Bank's Board of Directors south of the Mason Dixon Line.

She cared very much about "the county," its history, and its future. She was inspired by her father, George Quirk, who was one of several men that began the First National Bank of St. Mary's, which is now PNC. Her father was also one of several men who brought electricity to areas south of Leonardtown, thereby forming the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO).

In the early 1940's, right after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Nell and her parents gave up their waterfront farm in Pearson, Maryland, now known as Cedar Point, so that construction could begin for the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

In 2009, Nell and her husband, Hank, were presented with the Rotary Club of Lexington Park's "Service Above Self" Award in recognition of their outstanding dedication and service to the people of this community.

The family and friends of Nell Levay mourn the passing of this kind, spirited, loyal, giving, exemplary, and gracious woman who was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and colleague. She will be missed more than words can express.

Family will receive friends for Nell's Life Celebration on Friday, March 7, 2014 from 3 to 9 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A funeral service will be celebrated by Reverend John Ball on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 47477 Trinity Church Road, St. Mary's City, MD 20686. Interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in Nell's memory to the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.