Ilajean Horwitz

Ilajean Horwitz (née Levin), age 89, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Miami, Florida with her children at her side. Born on August 11, 1935, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Ilajean lived her life dedicated to her family, being true to her friends, and contributing in myriad ways to each community she touched. Her lifelong commitment to civic action was deeply influenced by President John F. Kennedy's call to: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism (1955), she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob), at a Hillel dance in Madison. The two married in 1956. While Bob worked at the family business in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Ilajean raised their three children, volunteered for civic organizations, and worked part-time writing a hospital newsletter. In 1971, she became the director of the Meals for the Elderly program. A staunch advocate for seniors, she expanded the program, accessing funds under the Older Americans Act and Area Agencies on Aging to establish Sheboygan County's first Office on Aging. Through her leadership, seniors received comprehensive support including transportation services, social activities, and the "Homespun Post," a marketplace for selling homemade crafts.

In the 1980s, Ilajean relocated to Florida with her husband to direct the Office on Aging for Miami-Dade County. Upon her retirement, she continued her mission of service as an active member of the Rotary Club of Miami Dadeland-Pinecrest, serving as its president. During thirty years of living in Miami, Ilajean developed lasting friendships through Rotary, other civic organizations, and among her neighbors.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ilajean was a gifted ceramicist. She created one-of-a-kind flowers, mounting them as colorful totems that made her yard a showpiece.

After the passing of her beloved husband in 2005, Ilajean honored his memory by collaborating with Miami Dade Community College to establish an annual student art exhibition, "Quest for Peace." She used funds to encourage participation and support student artists.

Ilajean is survived by her loving family: son Bruce Horwitz of Tavares, Florida; daughter Peggy Horwitz and partner Craig Kennedy of Long Beach, New York; daughter Pam Cravez and son-in-law Glenn Cravez of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren Josh Cravez of Anchorage, and Aaron Cravez with his wife Erin of Woodbridge, Connecticut; and great-grandchildren Evie and Ari Cravez in Connecticut.

The family thanks Ilajean's friends, hospice, and home health care professionals for the caring support they provided. Those who would like to honor Ilajean's memory are encouraged to donate to organizations dear to them in her name. May her memory inspire acts of kindness and civic engagement.

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