Leona Levine, business owner and artist

Leona Levine, a 60-year resident of Woodmere, died on Aug. 9, at the age of 84.

Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Levine graduated from Tilden High School. She then continued her studies at City College, which she cut short to pursue a career in art.

Levine née Kogan, met Murray Levine, and the two were married on Aug 17, 1947. Murray predeceased her.

Considered a renaissance woman by family and friends, Levine dabbled in the arts, teaching and business. She co-owned Witch Craft Co. located in Lawrence, for 20 years until the business closed after the death of her partner, Josie McKinley. While owning the business, Levine continued her career as an artist, focusing mostly on oil painting and offered private classes in art and quilting.

With all that she did, Levine was also described as a great mother, by her son, Andrew Levine. “My mom was the greatest ever,” Andrew said. “To describe my mom in one word — love.”

She devoted much of her free time and energy to Hadassah. The volunteer organization supports medical care and research at its medical organization in Jerusalem. Additionally, she enjoyed cooking and was a strong mental health advocate.

Services were held on Aug. 12 and conducted by Rabbi Bruce Ginsberg of Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere at Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens and were arranged by Broadway-Riverside Chapels located in Hewlett.

Levine is survived by her children Lawrence and Elizabeth of East Longmeadow, Mass., Robert and Lisa of Philadelphia and Andrew, Miriam and David of Woodmere, and grandchildren Joshua, Katie, Jacob, Lee, Stacy and Beverly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, 253 Hampden Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.