Following is a eulogy delivered by Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen of Congregation Beth El Keser Israel.
Ann Levine was born and raised in New Haven, growing up in the home of her parents Samuel & Sarah Brown, along with her dear siblings Solomon, Rose, Rhea, Yetta and Oscar, and her grandmother Fannie, all of blessed memory. Ann’s parents were native Yiddish speakers who came from Russia around 1905 during a period of anti-Jewish riots. Her father worked hard various jobs, typical of their neighbors on Orchard Street, Quinnipiac Avenue, and Rosette Street in New Haven. Her relationship with her siblings and their spouses and children were very important to her throughout her life.
Ann was lively, sweet, unfiltered, and sincere. She said whatever she was thinking. She liked to keep things simple. She didn’t need a hundred words to say what she could convey in a facial expression or a pointed comment. She didn’t travel much – never on a plane. She didn’t drive, either — unless you count her role as the co-pilot: “Morris, turn left!” Turkey on Thanksgiving? What’s wrong with chicken! Color TV? Nothing wrong with the old one! As she would say, “I don’t like to make a fuss.”
Her death and burial on the eve of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) means that the formal mourning period — nominally seven days — is observed only this one day. And that would have been exactly what she wanted — keep it simple. In truth, while her first 100 years were pretty good, the last couple were not as good, in that she was diminishing both bodily and mentally, and so there has been a process of loss and mourning going on for a while, which we recognize. Perhaps because of the great care, respect and love that her family showed her, they may experience — along with the sadness — a sense of peace.
Those around her at all stages of her life, including the wonderful staff in Branford Hills and in recent years at The Towers as well as other residents sought her company or inquired of her well-being. She was positive, quick to “move on” after any problem big or small, and exhibited kindness and energy.
Ann was frugal. If they didn’t have it at TJ Maxx or at a moving sale, she didn’t need it. She was happy to buy and resell a range of merchandise that she acquired at estate sales. Food past its date? Still tastes great! She really did, though, follow her doctor’s dietary strictures, kept a kosher home, had a good appetite, and she exercised every day. She lived to almost 103 so it she must have been doing something right.
With Morris Levine, her true love and life-long companion, Ann created a loving home for Sidney and Marvin. Ann and Morris were always together. Morris did not like to go anywhere without Ann, his “girl,” as he called her. They were married over 62 years. While Morris was in Europe in the Eighth Air Force during World War II, Ann worked and did whatever needed to be done. Once they were reunited, she was a homemaker, and they were forever together. Whether it was dancing, shopping or a trip to the beach, they were always a sweet couple.
Ann cared deeply for her family. Sidney & Donna, Marvin & Joan, were, next to Morris, the center of her life. Their extended families were also important to her — she had a long friendship with Donna’s parents, and with her siblings and their families. She looked after her sister Yetta as an attentive older sister when they both lived in the Towers — including making breakfast for her almost every day.
She adored her grandchildren, Sarah & Tim, Ilana & Jon, and Joshua, along with Robin, and Ari of blessed memory. They were a great source of pride and joy for her, as were her great-grandchildren Maya & Maddy, even if she was not always sure who they were — they were “nice people.” And during these last few years, especially, it was Marvin & Joan, Sid and Donna and the children who were there for her in her time of need. Her children adored her and cared for her. The love and care that they expressed is truly inspirational. While not making a “fuss,” they managed to celebrate her 90th and 100th and other milestone birthdays, and make sure she was in a safe, independent and happy environment and had constant contact with her family. She succeeded in raising offspring who are wonderful community leaders, including officers and leaders of Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, and kind, generous and happy people, transmitting some of the nicest aspects of her personality, to our benefit and delight.
Or, to restate it simply: She lived a long and good life
