Marie Berliner Levy

Marie Berliner Levy was born on December 23, 1917 to Mark and Dora Berliner in Brooklyn, New York. With a zest for life, Marie, as an only child, enjoyed a wonderful childhood, helping her parents in their clothing store, attending James Madison High School and Hunter College. On a blind date she met her husband, Samuel Jacob Levy, to whom she was married for 60 years, until his death in 1998. From being an only child, Marie joined a family of 10 siblings. She had no trouble fitting in and enjoyed sharing a drink of Slivovitz with her father-in-law. Marie raised her three children in White Plains, New York where she was a professional volunteer, serving as treasurer for many charities, volunteer coordinator for White Plains Hospital one of the founders of the Westchester Volunteer Services Bureau and a long time volunteer for the United Jewish Appeal.

Marie’s passions were playing bridge, golf, dancing and having a good drink in the afternoon. She commanded a room when she made an entrance, was a wonderful hostess and terrific friend who always knew how to make each person feel welcome and comfortable. She would greet strangers as if they were her neighbors. She was adored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who regularly visited with her and their grandfather when they relocated to Palm Beach, Florida in 1974 and here in Santa Barbara where she has lived at Maravilla for the last seven years. Marie Levy’s unfailing optimism, cheerfulness, pragmatism, and generosity made her deeply cherished. She leaves behind a vivid, loving memory in those fortunate enough to have shared life with her.

Marie passed away peacefully, at the age of 95 on October 25, 2013. She is survived by her daughter Lois Brechner (David) of Surprise, Arizona, son Mark Levy (Debbie) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, daughter Martie Levy of Santa Barbara, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Burial will take place at New Montefiore Jewish Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers or cards donations may be made to Santa Barbara Hillel, 781 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista, CA 93117 or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, 222 Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara, CA 93101