Obituary of Arlene S. Levinson

Mount Pleasant, PA. Arlene S. Finesman Levinson was born March 2, 1926 in Toronto, Ohio, the daughter of Morris and Bess Pearlman Finesman. At the age of 19 she left behind the icy winters of Ohio, boarding a train for the University of Miami. There, in 1948, she received her BA in English Literature with a minor in drama. Although she had considered remaining in the sunshine state, a blind date introduced her to her future husband; they were married 6 weeks later and she moved to Mount Pleasant, PA to be with him. He was building his practice as a General Practitioner and she accompanied him on his house calls. Many times these bills were paid with fresh vegetables or eggs. They were married for 65 years until his death in 2013, and together they raised three children. She loved to entertain and could host anything from a small barbeque to a dinner for the entire staff of Mount Pleasant's Frick Hospital, all of which she would do with beauty, grace, and matching dinnerware. She applied her minor in drama to costume-making for her children and grandchildren, so that on opening a certain trunk stored in her basement, one could find all the makings of Betsy Ross, Raggedy Ann, an angel and countless more characters. She always ensured a "sweet New Year" for her friends and family by sending out honey cakes and streudel. Arlene was active in her community, working to raise the funds to renovate the Tree of Life Synagoue in Mount Pleasant. She had an uncanny ability to know exactly what you needed before you did, and she brought a sense of magic to the world. Throughout her life she came to be called by many names including "Sissy" by her husband, "Mom" by her children, and "Gammy" or "Grandma" by her grandchildren. Arlene is survived by her loving family, her children: Linda E. Levinson McNally, and her husband, James, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Diane S. Levinson McLane, of Tucson, AZ, Mark E. Levinson, MD, and his wife, Lisa, of Winchester, VA, and by her adoring grandchildren; Leah McNally, MD., and her husband, Philip Hall, MD, Brittany McLane, Carter Levinson and Rachel Levinson. In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, William D. Levinson, MD, and by her brother, Alvin Bert Finesman. A Private graveside Service and Interment will be held Sunday in the New Light Cemetery, Shaler Township, with Rabbi Alvin Berkun Officiating. The family suggests memorials may be made to a Charity of one's choice in memory of Arlene Finesman Levinson. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle St., Mt. Pleasant. To offer an online condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com