Pearl Levan's Obituary
Pearl Levan, 98, of Aventura, Florida passed away peacefully at 3:40 a.m. in her sleep at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2015.
She was a compassionate, kind woman, who lived life with passion and presence. Pearl radiated a quiet strength; she had a discerning mind, with an open, nonjudgmental heart. Her warm smile welcomed each person with whom she interacted¬-- family, friends, and even those she barely knew. Her stoic yet soft nature always put people at ease.
When she was younger, Pearl was an avid tennis player and golfer. She was a Miami Dolfan, had season tickets for almost 40 years, and until recently, never missed a game. Her annual super bowl parties were a big hit with her friends. Pearl was also a huge Miami Heat fan and watched the games both live and from home. Weekly canasta and bridge games were a favorite pastime. The symphony, opera, and ballet were also huge highlights in her vibrant life. As an avid reader of the newspaper, mysteries, and biographies, she belonged to various book clubs over her many years.
Pearl was incredibly involved in her community. She was active in the Alyn Woldenberg Family Hospital-- Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Center. She knitted hats and blankets for newborns at the center. She was a lifetime member of the Project: Newborn at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She was also a founder at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
She and her late husband Zit were married for 63 years. Together they ran Vanguard Travel for more than 35 years, where they both led cruise travel groups all over the world.
Pearl loved spending time with her family and friends. They all knew that they could call her at a moments notice, and she would drop everything to join them. She often hosted the holidays, and she would cook her famous kugel, turkey loaf and mandel bread.
One of her secret indulgences was peanut brittle and coffee ice cream, which she enjoyed sharing with her friends. Pearl’s favorite color was purple, a royal color so befitting a devoted, unforgettable, and grand lady. Her apartment was filled with family photos and treasures from her travels.
She is survived by her son Jay, his wife Lori. Her son Alan, his wife Susie. She is also survived by her grandchildren. Don, his wife Judy, and four great grandchildren, Shelley, her husband Jeff, and three great grandchildren, Jarett, his wife Dara, and two great grandchildren, Gina, her husband Mario and two great grandchildren and Lauren. She was a remarkable mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. And she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 am Friday, August 21, 2015 at Ramat Shalom Synagogue
11301 W.Broward Blvd, Planatation, FL 33325
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