BELLE MALEV

BELLE MALEV was the matriarch of our family; she lived a full life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, daughter, sibling and friend of many. She passed away on the morning of November 19th, 2009. She left her family and friends with heavy hearts; we will cherish our many memories and continue the traditions she taught us. She was deeply loved and appreciated by those who knew her. Belle was born in NYC; she was preceded in death by her parents, Sara and Israel Gershon; her five siblings: Fanny, Max, Rose, Julius, and Lily; husband, Rabbi William S. Malev; her son- in-law, Hugh Amory; and her grandson Michael Malev. She possessed extraordinary values, honesty, kindness and integrity. She taught many of us generosity, discipline, and commitment. She met her future husband; William S. Malev when she was just 15; he was her teacher. She attended Hunter College at night and worked during the day to provide for herself and her family. She had interesting jobs, working at the New York public library and for Irving Caesar, composer of child safety songs like "Let the ball roll." Later as the rabbi's wife, she wrote and choreographed numerous shows for the congregation of Beth Yeshurun. She had a passion for reading about religion and politics, taking care of the health and well- being of her family and friends. She was a wonderful teacher, playing games like Jacob's Ladder, reading poetry, singing nursery rhymes and dancing the Irish jig with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Jonathan, Jane, and Judy Malev, her grandchildren, Tanya and Mark Strum, David and Orit Malev, Patrick, Misha and Hsun Ying, Column and Hope Amory, and her great grandchildren, Micky and Will Hollo, Sam and Rachel Strum, Daniel and Maya Malev, Lucas, Leah, Phoebe and Cecilia Amory and many other family members and close friends including, Marsha Malev, Susan Glass and Rafael and Dvora Arbisser. We deeply appreciated the compassion and commitment of her close friend and caregiver Gloria Alfaro. The services will be held Friday, November 20th, at 1:00PM at Congregation Beth Yeshurun (Freedman-Levit chapel) followed by a graveside service at the Beth Yeshurun cemetery (Post Oak cemetery). Friends may remember Belle by making a donation in her memory to the charities of your choice.