Shirley J. Levin's Obituary
SHIRLEY J. LEVINPassed peacefully at her Sterling Court Residence on September 18, 2017 at the age of 103 and one month and seven days.Shirley was born in Davenport Iowa on August 11, 1914 to Gladys Siegelbaum Rosengarten and Louis Rosengarten. Shirley was raised in Detroit Michigan and her love of design and clothing lead her to work as a model/sales lady at Winkelman’s Woman’s Clothing Store. Working near- by was a young pharmacist named Bernard Levin that used to give her a ride home and soon they began dating and married on June 10, 1939. Living first in Detroit where sons Michael and Clifford and daughter Nadine were born and then moved to the new suburb of Oak Park, Michigan.Shirley was very active in the children’s PTA where she held leadership positions, volunteered in the community, worked on local council elections and was a boy scout and girl scout leader for her children’s’ troops.When her dear Bernie passed away in February 1986, Shirley moved to Belmont California for what was to be a short stay to help Nadine and her husband care for their son and second new born child. Being close to the grandchildren and living without snow became a major enticement and she sold her home in Oak Park and moved to California.Shirley was always outgoing and had little trouble finding a community of friends. She became active with the Peninsula Jewish Community Center Adult Group holding leadership positions for many years and an active member of the Temple Beth Ell’s senior club. Always an involved grandmother she was there to help anytime called upon and built a strong relationship with Loren and Briana that lasts to this day.She met Leo Blum and spent a decade in a happy companionship until his passing in 2002. Together they moved into Sterling Court Adult Community in San Mateo and Shirley remained there until her passing. Throughout her later years she kept a flair for style and always “dressed” for dinner.Shirley was often described as warm and gracious with a smile for everyone.Shirley was preceded in death by her brother Stanley Rosengarten and sister Marjorie Ross. She is survived by her children Michael Levin of Dallas Texas, Clif Levin of Detroit Michigan, daughter Nadine Levin-Abrams and her husband Dr. James Abrams of San Mateo and grandchildren David Levin and Geoffrey Levin and Loren (and his wife Cathy) Abrams and Briana Abrams (and her husband Dr. Will Kruesi).Donations may be sent to the charity of your choice or to Shirley’s favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.The family is grateful for the extraordinary care and thoughtfulness of Sarah St. Charles the Director of Sterling Court, and her dedicated aides that cared for when she moved into assisted living at Sterling Court three and half years ago—especially Ann, Nita and Betty.
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