Elizabeth Ann Levin

Elizabeth Ann Levin (Betsy), 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday, March 10, 2025 after courageously battling head and neck cancer for 6 years. She was born July 28, 1953 in Jamaica, New York to the late Dr. Charles M. and Catherine Elizabeth (Zimmer) Levin. In addition to being a highly respected doctor, her father was also an accomplished musician and encouraged music lessons at a young age. Betsy began piano at the age of 7 and violin soon after as a fourth grader in the Port Washington Public School System. Some of her fondest childhood memories were playing with the "family band" for holidays and family gatherings. Her early teachers and musical experiences inspired her to pursue a career in string music education.
Betsy left New York to attend the Hartt College of Music of the University of Hartford to pursue her Music Education degree. Upon graduation, she moved to Indianapolis to attend Butler University and obtained her Master's Degree in Violin Performance. After completing her performance degree, she taught at The Butler Special Instruction Division, performed at Starlight Musicals and subbed with The Indinapolis Symphony Orchestra. Performance opportunities in Las Vegas, Nevada led to a move west. Leading a double life, she taught orchestra by day and played in major hotel orchestras for stars such as Liberace, Cher, and Dolly Parton by night! It was during this time that she first became a proud member of ASTA.
After four years in Las Vegas, Betsy returned to Indiana to teach at Southport Middle School (SMS) and Southport High School (SHS) and did so proudly for 31 years. She served as Music Department Chair at SHS for 22 years. Betsy's dedication and belief in the importance of music education was acknowledged by being awarded the SHS and Perry Township Teacher of the Year, IMEA Outstanding High School Music Educator, Kightlinger & Gray Outstanding Arts Educator, and in 2017 she received the Indiana ASTA Lifetime Achievement Award to name a few. She furthered her commitment to music education by serving as the Chairman of the All-State Orchestra for 15 years, contributing to Robert Klotman's Guide to Teaching Strings, and contributing to the MENC Orchestra Course of Study Task Force.
Although busy teaching, Betsy continued to perform and served as the Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis for 21 years. She also continued to play in various performances around the city; amazing her students when she played with Led Zepplin at Market Square Arena. She was President of the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon for 13 years. In retirement, Betsy continued to teach privately, teach String Techniques at Butler University, and served as an Instrument Advisor for Paige's Music. Her biggest enjoyment in retirement, however, was playing with her great niece and nephew.
Betsy's teaching career was unique in that she taught side by side with her "younger" sister and for many years, she had the same students from their 6th grade year to senior year. She deeply appreciated this opportunity to form meaningful connections with each of her students, whom she loved and remembered years upon their graduations. Not having children of her own, her students were her children. One of her greatest honors as a teacher was when the SHS Orchestra Conductor's Podium Endowment was established in her name by her students and their parents which continues her legacy of enriching the musical experiences of SHS orchestra students for years to come.
Betsy is survived by her sister, Catherine Radomski (John), nephew John Radomski (Haley), niece Jane Betsy Radomski (Isaac Pulford), and great-nephew Charlie and great-niece Cate (Pulford), half-sister Eleanor Spector, niece Nancy Rosenwasser (Marc and family), and niece Jane Froehlich (William and family).
Knowing Betsy was to know a loyal, dedicated, and caring friend and colleague. Her family and those closest were privileged to also know her tireless playfulness, selflessness, and fierce love and are forever grateful to have had her in their lives. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
Mass of Christian Burial for Betsy is Friday, March 14 at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 Edgewood Ave. Indianapolis 46227. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, March 13 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Singleton & St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, 7602 Madison Ave. Indianapolis 46227. Betsy will be laid to rest at Cemetery of the Holy Rood, located in Westbury, New York.