Shirley Nell LEVITT

1924 - 2017

LEVITT, Shirley Nell Shirley Nell (Gourwitz) Levitt, Age 92, died peacefully on March 29, 2017 surrounded by family. She is survived by her children: Susan (Rupert) Barkoff, Dr. Richard (Meryl) Levitt, and Dr. Donald (Julia) Levitt; grandchildren: Stuart (Alison) Barkoff, Jeffrey (Dr. Marla) Barkoff, Dr. Lisa (Tyler) Wright, Benjamin Levitt, and Aaron Levitt; and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Irving Levitt, M.D. and her brother Bernard Gourwitz. Born in Detroit in 1924 to Morris and Sylvia Gourwitz, Shirley grew up in Detroit and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1945. After a brief career as an elementary school teacher, Shirley devoted herself to her children and her family. She was also an active volunteer, serving as president of the local chapter of Maimonides and helping to develop the beautiful Kresge Court Cafe at the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 1971 the couple moved from Southfield, MI to mid-town Manhattan where Irv pursued a career as an art dealer. After five years in New York, Shirley and Irv returned to the Detroit area where Irv reopened his practice of pediatrics and Shirley provided support in his office. In 2006 Shirley and Irv moved to Atlanta to be closer to two of their children and their grandchildren. The family extends a very special thank you to Lucy Leitmann, Dee Banks, Hortensia Morales, and Keisha Colman for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hadassah or the charity of your choice. A graveside service will be held TODAY, Friday, March 31, 2017 at 10:30 am at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Joshua Heller officiating. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta. 770-451-4999.