Claire Miriam Levin (nee Friedenberg)

December 29, 1930 - October 23, 2021

Born in Mount Vernon, New York and raised in Manhattan, Claire lived in Sarasota for forty years. Among her most prized accomplishments, she was a director of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. In 2004 she was honored at The Federation's Triple Crown Gala, in celebration of contributions to the arts and human services. A proud alumna of Hunter College High School and Mount Holyoke College, she enjoyed a career as a paralegal before relocating to Longboat Key in 1980 with her beloved husband Richard. They were married 54 years when he passed in 2007. As a young couple they weathered a difficult start, having lost two children to congenital illness. Determined to look forward rather than back, they rallied around their signature phrase, “Life is for the living.” In their leisure time, they came to enjoy day sailing with friends from Knickerbocker Yacht Club on Long Island Sound. Later, they shared sight seeing trips around the world, giving Claire many opportunities to practice her passion for taking photographs. Claire dearly loved classical music and took joy in hosting visiting artists from the Sarasota Music Festival. She had a flare for making beautiful handiwork, crafting stunning sweaters and artfully designed beaded necklaces. She loved a good game of mahjong and was a lifelong devotee of the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. Having passed after a brave and characteristically stubborn battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Claire is survived by daughters, Deborah, Jill and Wendy, grandchildren Ryan and Avery, a niece and several nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, The Asolo Repertory Theatre or The Sarasota Orchestra. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on November 1, 2021 at Beth Sholom Cemetery, 901 Circus Boulevard in Sarasota.