Judith S. Levey

With sadness, we share the news that Judith (Judy) Levey, a past long-time member of the Bnai Keshet, passed away peacefully on January 28 at 89 years of age surrounded by family in Albuquerque, NM. She was the beloved wife of Lawrence (Larry) Levey, wonderful aunt to Don (Karen), Julie (Joshua), Beth (James), Marissa (Dan), Anne (Pat) and Michael, and a loving great-aunt and great-great aunt. Judy is predeceased by her parents, Larry (2012) and her brother, David Sweetkind (2016).

Judy was born in New Haven, CT to Morris and Betty (Kauffman) Sweetkind. She graduated with a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College in 1958 and received her M.A. from Adelphi University in 1968. She and Larry were married for 53 years, sharing much of their years together in Upper Montclair, attending theater and musical events, craft fairs and gatherings in New York City. They cherished being members of BnaiKeshet, enjoying services, and the many adult education courses. In 2016, Judy moved to Albuquerque to be closer to family.

Judy had a long and successful career in publishing. Her work spanned from creating dictionaries for school aged children to serving as Editor-in-Chief for the heralded New Columbia Encyclopedia and the Concise Columbia Encyclopedia. In retirement, Judy took great pleasure in art, memoir writing, and children’s literature. She produced many types of art, including pastels, pencil drawings, batiks and bargello pillows.

The family thanks the staff at Palmilla Memory Care and the staff and volunteers at Roadrunner Hospice for their compassion and care for Judy over the years. Memorial contributions can be made at Home – Roadrunner Hospice.

May the memory of Judy be for an enduring blessing; zichrono livracha.