Dee was always warm,sweet and fun, as long as I can remember. She was a great friend to all and a wonderful mom and grandmother. The rippling effect of her loss will touch everyone who knew her. Rest In Peace Dee Ann. You will be sorely missed. 😢
So incredibly shocked and saddened by Dee's untimely passing. She was the most loyal,kind and beautiful friend a person could have. My sincere condolences are extende to her entirely family
I am saddened to learn that Dee Ann is gone. Dee Ann, Sunny Levine and I were roommates in an apartment on Chittenden our senior year at OSU. Dee Ann was very good natured and I am reminded of a particularly funny incident that year. She accidentally got locked into the bathroom when the door lock jambed. The fire department was called to get her out when all else failed. They arrived with an ax in hand and proceeded to get Dee Ann out. I took a photo of her exit from the bathroom to capture that special moment. She was all smiles and even took a bow at her grand entrance back into the main room. We lost track of each other over the years but bumped into one another at an event a few years ago when I moved back to Ohio. She was all smiles as usual. May her memory be for a blessing and her family be consoled.
For those attending, please share my deepest sympathy. I am unable to be there. I always remember Dee with a huge smile.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 22:
Dee Ann Lefkowitz (nee Rothstein) beloved mother of Bradley Lefkowitz (Stephanie Litos), Jennifer (Matthew) Ganahl, Dana (Douglas) Fabiani and Samantha (Thomas) Moon. Devoted grandmother of Jackson and Alexander Ganahl, Madison and Brady Moon and Tyler Fabiani. Predeceased by her parents Barney and Irene (Wolfe) Rothstein, and her stepmother, Betty (Turbow) Rothstein. Family will receive friends at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH SUNDAY, beginning at noon. Friends who wish may contribute to the Gathering Place (www.touchedbycancer.org) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org) Guestbook at HebrewMemorialSarasotacom
Oh boy...talk about timing. While on a quick trip to Florida to see friends 2 weeks ago, I arranged to have lunch with an old OSU friend in Sarasota. I knew that Dee had recently moved to FL from her facebook postings, so I asked hre to join us since we'd all lived on the same floor at Ohio State. It was wondeerful to see her again, still the same sweet, smiley, funny gal she's always been even tho' the ravages of her cancer were evident. She was delighted to be near her daughters and the grandkids and took us back to her new lovely apartment. I was shocked to hear of her death exactly a week later. I kept hoping she'd recover, she was trying so hard. Blessings to her family and all who loved her.
I am saddened by the passing of Dee Ann. I lived down the street from her in elementary school. I would stop by her house in the mornings, and we would walk to school together. I had not seen her in years, until the reunion. It was a warm re-connection. A few weeks ago, I got a message from Mary Martin asking if by chance I could meet her, Dee Ann, and a few college friends for lunch in Sarasota. Sadly, I could not make it. I will remember Dee Ann fondly - always loved her smile and laugh.
My dear friend, Dee Rothstein Lefkowitz was such a fighter! Once again, that damn enemy of mankind's, cancer, has taken a wonderful, bright light away from all of us and has devastated four terrific kids and grandkids to win yet another battle and claim my friend of 57 years. Dee, we are in Florida now, and should be visiting you in your new home tomorrow, but instead, we will have to visit you in our memories. No one will ever call me Ronald again! She loved life far too much to have deserved to lose this curse called cancer!
Dee Ann (Rothstein) Lefkowitz, 69, of Sarasota, Fla., passed away on March 15, 2017, surrounded by family. Dee leaves behind her children, Bradley Lefkowitz (Stephanie Litos) of Washington, D.C., Jennifer Ganahl (Matthew) of Highland Park, Ill., Dana Fabiani (Douglas) of Sarasota, Fla., and Samantha Moon (Thomas) of Ponte Vedra, Fla.; and grandchildren, Jackson and Alexander Ganahl, Madison and Brady Moon, and Tyler Fabiani. Dee was predeceased by parents, Barney and Irene (Wolfe) Rothstein, and stepmother, Betty (Turbow) Rothstein.
Born on Nov. 14, 1947, in Cleveland, Dee graduated from Cleveland Heights High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State Universty and a Master of Arts degree from Cleveland State University.
Dee was a devoted mother and grandmother, and loved nothing more than spending time with her five grandchildren. Dee’s love of children was a constant throughout her life; she was a kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teacher with the Cleveland Municipal School District and the Jewish Community Center.
Prior to moving to Sarasota in 2016, Dee was a lifelong Cleveland resident and a longtime member of Park
Synagogue. She looked forward to her weekly mah-jongg games and frequent girls’ lunches. Dee leaves behind many close friends who will miss her warmth and humor.
Dee battled cancer several times, and although the disease that ultimately took her life does not define her, the way she fought highlights the qualities she had that were admired by so many. She showed incredible strength and rarely complained, she was optimistic, and she was courageous in her matter-of-fact manner. Dee’s fight serves as an inspiration to those facing their own battles.
The family will receive friends at noon March 26 at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio.
Friends who wish may contribute to the Gathering Place (touchedbycancer.org), a Cleveland charity that provides support and services to cancer patients and their families, or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrfcure.org), which supports clinical and translational research at medical institutions worldwide.
Lynn Robbins (Roeth)
Dee was always warm,sweet and fun, as long as I can remember. She was a great friend to all and a wonderful mom and grandmother. The rippling effect of her loss will touch everyone who knew her. Rest In Peace Dee Ann. You will be sorely missed. 😢
Donna Edelman (Borstein)
So incredibly shocked and saddened by Dee's untimely passing. She was the most loyal,kind and beautiful friend a person could have. My sincere condolences are extende to her entirely family
Alice Borstein (Mullins)
so very sorry .. too young..... like others Dee' smile is what i remember best..prayers for family & friends.....
Shirley Frum (Cohen)
I am saddened to learn that Dee Ann is gone. Dee Ann, Sunny Levine and I were roommates in an apartment on Chittenden our senior year at OSU. Dee Ann was very good natured and I am reminded of a particularly funny incident that year. She accidentally got locked into the bathroom when the door lock jambed. The fire department was called to get her out when all else failed. They arrived with an ax in hand and proceeded to get Dee Ann out. I took a photo of her exit from the bathroom to capture that special moment. She was all smiles and even took a bow at her grand entrance back into the main room. We lost track of each other over the years but bumped into one another at an event a few years ago when I moved back to Ohio. She was all smiles as usual. May her memory be for a blessing and her family be consoled.
Stephanie Katz (Farley)
For those attending, please share my deepest sympathy. I am unable to be there. I always remember Dee with a huge smile.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 22:
Dee Ann Lefkowitz (nee Rothstein) beloved mother of Bradley Lefkowitz (Stephanie Litos), Jennifer (Matthew) Ganahl, Dana (Douglas) Fabiani and Samantha (Thomas) Moon. Devoted grandmother of Jackson and Alexander Ganahl, Madison and Brady Moon and Tyler Fabiani. Predeceased by her parents Barney and Irene (Wolfe) Rothstein, and her stepmother, Betty (Turbow) Rothstein. Family will receive friends at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH SUNDAY, beginning at noon. Friends who wish may contribute to the Gathering Place (www.touchedbycancer.org) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org) Guestbook at HebrewMemorialSarasotacom
Mary Martin
Oh boy...talk about timing. While on a quick trip to Florida to see friends 2 weeks ago, I arranged to have lunch with an old OSU friend in Sarasota. I knew that Dee had recently moved to FL from her facebook postings, so I asked hre to join us since we'd all lived on the same floor at Ohio State. It was wondeerful to see her again, still the same sweet, smiley, funny gal she's always been even tho' the ravages of her cancer were evident. She was delighted to be near her daughters and the grandkids and took us back to her new lovely apartment. I was shocked to hear of her death exactly a week later. I kept hoping she'd recover, she was trying so hard. Blessings to her family and all who loved her.
Joan /Joni Friedman (Rothenberg)
I am saddened by the passing of Dee Ann. I lived down the street from her in elementary school. I would stop by her house in the mornings, and we would walk to school together. I had not seen her in years, until the reunion. It was a warm re-connection. A few weeks ago, I got a message from Mary Martin asking if by chance I could meet her, Dee Ann, and a few college friends for lunch in Sarasota. Sadly, I could not make it. I will remember Dee Ann fondly - always loved her smile and laugh.
Barbara Zucker (Nearier)
RIP Dee Ann. It was so sad to hear of your passing. Deepest condolences to your family.
Ronna West (Markowitz)
My dear friend, Dee Rothstein Lefkowitz was such a fighter! Once again, that damn enemy of mankind's, cancer, has taken a wonderful, bright light away from all of us and has devastated four terrific kids and grandkids to win yet another battle and claim my friend of 57 years. Dee, we are in Florida now, and should be visiting you in your new home tomorrow, but instead, we will have to visit you in our memories. No one will ever call me Ronald again! She loved life far too much to have deserved to lose this curse called cancer!
David Brown
Dee Ann (Rothstein) Lefkowitz, 69, of Sarasota, Fla., passed away on March 15, 2017, surrounded by family. Dee leaves behind her children, Bradley Lefkowitz (Stephanie Litos) of Washington, D.C., Jennifer Ganahl (Matthew) of Highland Park, Ill., Dana Fabiani (Douglas) of Sarasota, Fla., and Samantha Moon (Thomas) of Ponte Vedra, Fla.; and grandchildren, Jackson and Alexander Ganahl, Madison and Brady Moon, and Tyler Fabiani. Dee was predeceased by parents, Barney and Irene (Wolfe) Rothstein, and stepmother, Betty (Turbow) Rothstein.
Born on Nov. 14, 1947, in Cleveland, Dee graduated from Cleveland Heights High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State Universty and a Master of Arts degree from Cleveland State University.
Dee was a devoted mother and grandmother, and loved nothing more than spending time with her five grandchildren. Dee’s love of children was a constant throughout her life; she was a kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teacher with the Cleveland Municipal School District and the Jewish Community Center.
Prior to moving to Sarasota in 2016, Dee was a lifelong Cleveland resident and a longtime member of Park
Synagogue. She looked forward to her weekly mah-jongg games and frequent girls’ lunches. Dee leaves behind many close friends who will miss her warmth and humor.
Dee battled cancer several times, and although the disease that ultimately took her life does not define her, the way she fought highlights the qualities she had that were admired by so many. She showed incredible strength and rarely complained, she was optimistic, and she was courageous in her matter-of-fact manner. Dee’s fight serves as an inspiration to those facing their own battles.
The family will receive friends at noon March 26 at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio.
Friends who wish may contribute to the Gathering Place (touchedbycancer.org), a Cleveland charity that provides support and services to cancer patients and their families, or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrfcure.org), which supports clinical and translational research at medical institutions worldwide.