Remembering Rose Levine 2-21-31 – 10-08-22
Say not in grief she is no more, but in thankfulness that she was.– Hebrew Proverb
Rose Tendler Levine was my mother who passed away on October 8 at 1:40 AM. She loved my articles and would often comment to me about them. Mom this one is for you and all the love that we shared…
What can you say about the matriarch of the family, a mother who raised 5 children and built a loving and unique relationship with each of us? She made every child feel special. She always made herself available to us when we needed her. That in of itself is an amazing achievement. We grew up very close and have remained so in spite of being scattered across the country. The foundation that she gave us taught us how to love and the value of family ties. 
My favorite memory of my Mom will always be her hugs. We know the importance of physical touch and warmth for children and adults alike, and my Mom just seemed to know instinctively when I needed a hug. She gave the best hugs. Even into adulthood, a hug from Mom conveyed warmth and love. I know I’ll miss her hugs always.
She loved sharing with us and would send us funny and interesting things via email and would always keep us updated on her travel adventures. After she retired from her career as an educator, she traveled extensively with my Dad, as he lectured on the many cruise ships. Mom was responsible for marketing him and loved going along on travel adventures with him. Norman was the love of her life. 
Our mom always called us her “blessings.” She believed that family was the most important thing. We had the poster made for her 80th birthday. In spite of her having a difficult upbringing, my mom was able to over come that and create a loving and caring family of her own. We always knew we were loved, and because of her example, we’ve all remained close throughout our lives and have created loving families of our own. Many of us have found our vocation in “helping” professions, and I believe it was because we had such a loving role model, that we wanted to give back some of that love into the world.
Mom was proud of all of us, and I know she was proud of my family and my marriage to Debbie. It took me a few tries to get it right, but I know she loved Debbie very much, and never called her an “in-law,” only a daughter. She was so glad I’d found my “one” and was so proud of all of her children and grandchildren. Her best advice to me? “Don’t f*** it up! “
Mom would often send messages on social media that were very personal in spite of the public nature of the platform. She wrote her comments as if she were writing directly to me. Here is one of my favorites: “My blessings are many, but none more satisfying than my unbelievably amazing children and grandchildren. Love always, and stay healthy and happy. Mom”
Mom was passionate about a lot of things. She wanted everyone to feel like family, to be a part of this wonderful group of my siblings and the grandchildren she prized. She was a staunch Democrat, and active in political causes. She was concerned with justice and social issues, and wanted to leave the world a better place than she had found it. Looking at our family, I believe she succeeded in this goal.
Some fun facts about Rose:
Two of her granddaughters were born on her birthday.
She was called to jury duty at 91 years old
Rose had two children 13 years apart born on the same day. 9-7.
Mom loved travel and adventure and loved to share all about her travels with us.
Rose Levine passed away surrounded by loving family members and with the assistance of Hospice’s care.I am grateful that having her attended by Hospice helped to ease her pain and allowed her to go to her rest without further suffering. **
Weep Not For Me
Weep not for me for I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There’s no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
All these many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory, I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
Mom I will love you forever …….Your son Stuart
** Learn more about hospice care here: What Is Hospice Care? | American Cancer Society
