Madeline Gurwitz

GURWITZ, MADELINE (MARKS), 94, of Providence, passed away Mon. August 25, 2008 at the Miriam Hospital. She was the wife of the late Dr. Nathan Levitt and Abel Gurwitz.

Born February 20, 1914 in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Braun) Marks. A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, she graduated from the University of Rhode Island and worked as a social worker for the State of Rhode Island. She was involved in many charitable organizations, with special interests in Temple Emanu El, its Sisterhood and Garden Club of which she was President. An award winning member of the Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs she was a Master of seven schools of Japanese Flower Arranging and an Honorary Life Member of the Sogetsu School of Flower Arranging.

Madeline is survived by her son, Dr. Mayer A. Levitt and his wife Judith, her two daughters, Ellen Grebstein and her husband Dr. Lawrence Grebstein, and Lynda Bedard; and her step daughter, Deborah Katz and her husband Herbert Katz. She is also survived by her brother Leo Marks, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Dr. Herman Marks, and Paul Marks; and mother-in-law of the late Peter Bedard.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at 11:00 AM, at SUGARMAN-SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 458 Hope St., Providence. Relatives and friends invited. Burial will be at Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick. The family has requested memorial contributions be directed to: Sogetsu Massachusetts Branch, c/o Mrs. Seiko Hori, 45 Arnold Rd., Wellesley, MA 02481. Shiva will take place at EPOCH, One Butler Avenue, Providence, Wednesday 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. The family was assisted with arrangements by SUGARMAN-SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL.