Thelma Ruth Levin

1911 - 2016

Thelma Ruth Levin obituary, 1911-2016, Los Angeles, CA

Thelma Levin Obituary

September 25, 1911 - February 24, 2016 Thelma Ruth Levin was born in Pomona, California over 104 years ago. She attended Pomona High and then USC. An avid tennis player, ballet dancer and equestrian, Thelma met her future husband Sam while horseback riding in Palm Springs and married in 1933. Soon thereafter, Sam, with Thelma by his side, set the standard for the modernization of the retail pharmacy industry when he opened Santa Glen Drug in West Los Angeles. During World War II, Thelma volunteered at the local hospital assisting in the delivery of babies. Throughout the remainder of her life, she engaged in a number of Los Angeles based philanthropic endeavors. She is known to all for her trademark blue eyes, great wit, wisdom, grace, devotion to her family and friends, and her ability to touch the soul of each person who came into her life. Thelma was recently honored by the City of Beverly Hills as one of the oldest living residents.She had resided in Beverly Hills for almost 60 years. Foremost in her life was the time she spent with her family: daughter, Leslie Kavanaugh, and son, Gerry Laine (deceased); son-in-law, Jack Kavanaugh, and daughter-in-law, Jane Laine; grandchildren, Ryan and Matthew Kavanaugh, Scott Laine, and Sheri Rifkin, and their spouses, Jessica Kavanaugh, Michelle Laine, Bob Rifkin, and Heather Kavanaugh; and great-grandchildren, Garrett and Justin Rifkin, Jenna and Sami Laine, and Carter and Tommy Kavanaugh. Above all, until her last day of life, Thelma's true and undeniable love was chocolate!! In lieu of flowers, contributions to JBBBSLA , AVIVA Family and Children Services or FRIENDS of Robinson Gardens would be most appreciated.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 27, 2016.
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