Leah Heilig Levine

LEAH HEILIG LEVINE, 99, Raleigh preservationist, community benefactor , and for over 25 years proprietor of The Upstairs restaurant, a luncheon meeting spot for business people, judges, lawyers, reporters, and politicians, died at her home in Raleigh on Monday, August 10. She was born and raised in Goldsboro, N.C., the daughter of William and Sarah Heilig. After graduation in 1931 from Women’s’ College in Greensboro, she studied social work in New York City. She returned to North Carolina as a social worker travelling during the Depression to small towns throughout the state. In 1940, she met Raleigh native Albert Levine whom she married in 1941. At that time, her husband was the manager of Wright’s Clothing Store on Fayetteville St and later became manager of the Heilig-Levine furniture store at the corner of Hargett and Wilmington Streets, now a landmark building. In the early 1900’s, the second floor of the building served as the first sanctuary for Temple Beth Or. Mrs. Levine was active in Girl Scouts and St. Agnes Hospital. She served Temple Beth Or as a Life Board Member, Sisterhood president, and choir director. For over 50 years she either created or arranged for the flowers for worship services at the Temple. She was 65 when she became owner of The Upstairs restaurant located on Hargett St adjacent to the Heilig-Levine furniture store. With her colleagues Nell Styron and Ruthie Clemons, Mrs. Levine created a downtown eating place known for camaraderie and lively conversation among the Capital’s movers and shakers. When she was 90 years old she retired and closed the restaurant. The Raleigh City Museum on Fayetteville St. has a display of memorabilia from The Upstairs. Her husband died in 1982. She is survived by her devoted family: daughters Sarah Levine Weisman and husband Matthew of Oakland, California; and Deborah Levine Rubenstein and her husband Carl of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Grandchildren William Weisman, Deborah Weisman Reback and husband Larry; Anna Rubenstein Paris and husband Steve; Sarah Rubenstein and husband Simone Sassolini; Jeanette Weisman and husband Mark Dieter; and David Rubenstein. Great grandchildren Hannah and David Reback; Lawren and Leah Paris; Joseph and Olimpia Sassolini; and Wren Dieter-Weisman. Our deep appreciation to neighbors Bob and Renee Sandford, friend and caregiver Ruthie Clemons, Hospice of Wake County, and the caregivers from Right At Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm, Wednesday August 12 at Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Levine Fund, Temple Beth Or. Donations may also be made to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Marys St, Suite 400, Raleigh