Donna Levin passed away on March 23, 2024, at the age of 92, in Amherst, Massachusetts, following a brief illness. She was recently predeceased by her adored husband of nearly 70 years, Maury Levin. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Diane Levin and Stephen Hicks, and John Levin and Sarah Osgood; her grandson, Adamo Lanza; her step-granddaughter, Emmalyn Hicks and her fiancée Rachel Stein; and beloved nephews and nieces.

Donna was raised alongside her sister, Nancy, in Revere, Massachusetts by her mother Marion, her grandmother Phoebe, and her uncle Murray. She met the love of her life, Maury, when she was attending the first grade at the Garfield School in Revere. She graduated from Revere High School in 1949 and subsequently attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School to prepare to enter the workforce. In 1953, she married Maury soon after he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Donna was at Maury’s side throughout his military service, living together in Monterey, California, and in Frankfurt and Berlin, Germany. She supported Maury and herself during the time of his military service, and then later as he pursued his Ph.D. on his path to what would be a distinguished academic career, by working as a legal secretary for several law firms. Following the birth of her daughter, Diane, and then her son, John, she devoted herself to raising her children full-time—her family was her top priority and her greatest source of pride.

The home that Donna created was always a central gathering place for friends and family, a place where all were welcomed, and strangers quickly became lifelong friends. She was always there to help anyone in need—from new neighbors adjusting to a recent move, to recent immigrants requiring food and clothing, to a friend in difficulties. Donna welcomed many into her home and her heart, including her son-in-law Stephen and her step-granddaughter Emmalyn, along with Emmalyn’s fiancée, Rachel. Among her greatest joys was her grandson, Adamo, with whom she and Maury shared a close bond. She was thrilled when Adamo attended college at the University of Massachusetts and was able to regularly spend quality time with his grandparents. That bond deepened over the years, and Donna treasured her time with her grandson.

She and Maury raised their children in Amherst. Together she and Maury enjoyed sailing and kayaking, as well as frequent cookouts and celebrations with family and friends. She loved traveling to the New England coastline and visiting the Clark Art Institute, and she was fond of the paintings of Joseph Turner and the music of the Beatles.  She was also an avid gardener who was able to coax lady’s slippers to grow in abundance in the backyard of her Amherst home. A steady stream of friends often stopped by, knowing that Donna would be there to welcome them with a warm hug and a hot meal. The environment she cultivated alongside Maury was marked by lively discussion, poetry and song, and countless meals lovingly prepared. The friendships she and Maury made over the years were lifelong and enduring. Beloved by her family, friends, and neighbors, Donna will be dearly missed. Services will be private.

The Levin family expresses its gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Hospice of the Fisher Home, Amherst, Massachusetts, whose compassionate care and kindness sustained Donna and those who loved her during her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fisher Home in Donna’s memory.