DOROTHY M. BESKIND

BESKIND--Dorothy M. Levitt, 97, notable photographer and film-maker died peacefully at home in Easthampton NY, family by her side. Cherished mother of Joanne Beskind Elkin, Susan B. Lelyveld (Michael), Ellen Safir (Peter), grandchildren Katherine, Victor, Archie, Roland, Jesse; longtime companion, Sidney Goldstein. Her 25 year marriage to D. Herbert Beskind ended in divorce. We will forever miss her bright light, keen eye and spare aesthetic, adventurous zest for life, the wisdom, warmth, love and sparkle she brought to ours. Daughter of the late Rebecca and Adolph Levitt, dubbed the "Doughnut King" for his invention of the automated donut machine, founder of Doughnut Corp of America; predeceased by sister Irene L. Morse, and twin brother David M. Levitt. Beskind produced an extensive archive of over 300 films and numerous photographs of renowned artists including Joseph Beuys, Keith Haring, Louise Bourgeois, Bob Morris, Eva Hesse, Alice Neel, and Andy Warhol. Her work has been shown at the Whitney, Tate Modern, SFMoMA, the Jewish Museum, Yale University, Kutztown, U. Leeds, UK., and Pentax Gallery Tokyo. Memorial service in New York, details to be announced.