Barbara Levkowitz, 96, of Tucson, AZ, passed away on December 16, 2023, surrounded by her children. Barbara was born in the Bronx, N.Y. to Max and Lilly Wendell on June 13, 1927. She was the youngest sibling to Esther and Herbert.
Her parents moved to Tucson when she was 14. She went to 9th grade at Mansfeld Junior High and then Tucson High School and continued to the U of A when she met her one true love, her husband Milton (Mike) Levkowitz. They were married in 1947. She was a beloved wife and parent. She is predeceased by her parents, husband (1997), sister, and brother.
She is survived by her children, Hal and (Bina) Levkowitz of New Orleans, Danny and (Anita) Levkowitz and Leah (Laurie) Levkowitz of Tucson, her grandchildren, Brad, Jeff, David, Eilan and (Danielle), and Joshua Levkowitz; great grandchildren, Elliana, Samantha, Sophia, Halle, Harrison, and Shiloh Levkowitz; and many nieces and nephews.
She was a dedicated volunteer and pioneer of the Tucson Jewish community, voted Young Woman of the Year, 1961 and honored in a meeting with Eleanor Roosevelt.
Judaism and family traditions were very important to her, and she gathered her extended family for Jewish holidays creating a very close family connection.
She helped her husband establish Sun Lighting Co. in 1953. She loved working at the store selling light fixtures.
She was very social and had a close group of lifelong friends. She was passionate about bridge, loved to dance, golf, play tennis and traveling. She travelled all over the world with her husband, children and friends. She even slept in a tent in the Sahara and rode a camel and an elephant in her 80’s.
She loved people and was known and loved by all.
Funeral was Monday, December 18, 2023,at Evergreen Cemetery.
Shiva condolences at Barbara Levkowitz’s home Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 19-21, 2-5pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Anshei Israel, Jewish Family and Children Services, Tucson Jewish Community Center or Tucson Hebrew Academy.
