Marie-Louise Levasseur was born in 1811 in Trois-Rivières, in a Lower Canada undergoing significant economic transformation. Coming from a background in which trade and the exploitation of natural resources were becoming increasingly important, she entered early on into a context favorable to the development of industrial activities. She later settled in Bécancour, where she would leave a lasting mark on the region’s economic history.

In 1830, she married Antoine Mayrand (1810–1877), a native of Deschambault-Grondines. This union brought together two families deeply rooted in the region and active in local business circles. Together, they developed enterprises that were central to the 19th-century regional economy, particularly in the fields of timber and resource processing.

Over the years, Marie-Louise Levasseur distinguished herself as an accomplished businesswoman. She notably owned a flour mill, two sawmills, and a toll bridge—key infrastructures for the development and economic vitality of Bécancour and its surroundings. These facilities played an important role in forestry and wood processing, which were dominant industries in the region at the time.

In the 1860s, her enterprises employed approximately 150 workers, a considerable number for the period. This workforce reflects both the scale of her operations and her influence on the local economy. Through her initiatives, she helped shape the industrial development of Bécancour, promoting both employment and the circulation of goods.

The toll bridge she operated was a strategic component of the regional transportation network. It facilitated trade and the movement of people while generating additional revenue. This diversification of activities demonstrates remarkable entrepreneurial vision, particularly at a time when women rarely held leading roles in the business world.

At a time when major economic responsibilities were almost exclusively entrusted to men, Marie-Louise Levasseur stands out as an exceptional figure. Her ability to manage large-scale enterprises, oversee a substantial workforce, and actively contribute to regional development makes her a pioneer of female entrepreneurship in Quebec.

She remained active in her business ventures for many years, contributing to the economic growth of her community. Marie-Louise Levasseur passed away in 1892 in Bécancour, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Today, her name lives on, notably through a street in Bécancour, in a sector where roads are named in honor of prominent industrial figures of the region. This recognition reflects the importance of her contributions and her place in the collective memory.