Janet Ilene Levine

Janet Ilene Levine, 66, passed away on June 19, 2024, at the Belmont Village Senior Living Community; her sister, Linda, was at her side. Janet was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Elliott, her father, Sam, and her mother, Bernice.

Born in Houston to Sam and Bernice Levine on September 10, 1957, Janet had a happy, joyful childhood. During her late teens, however, she was stricken with schizophrenia. In 2017, she suffered a bilateral stroke, leaving her paralyzed and legally blind. Yet, despite these hardships and their impact on her quality of life, she remained resilient and optimistic.

Janet’s greatest attributes were her sense of humor, inquisitive nature and compassion for others. She found pleasure in simple things---reminiscing (most fondly, her Grandma Ethel), caring for her pets, conversations over coffee, her mother’s cooking, her father’s humor, her sister's advice. Her devotion and almost spiritual connection to her cats brought her the greatest joy and fulfillment.

She loved shopping with her sister, creating floral designs, group singalongs, popular music and comedy. Babies, balloons, kittens and puppies always brought a smile. She took pride in her manicuring expertise, generously offering her services to friends and family.

Especially meaningful to Janet were her conversations with Rabbi Jack Segal, of blessed memory, who offered guidance and reassurance during her many years of confusion and anxiety.

Sincere appreciation and gratitude is extended to Janet's guardian, Jeannine Flynn, Esq., her personal caregiver, Ms.Von Washington, the caring and devoted staff at Belmont Village Senior Living and AccentCare Hospice Services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org.

A graveside service for Janet will be held Monday , June 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Beth Yeshurun at Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Lane, Houston, Texas 77055, Rabbi Deborah Schloss officiating.

.

.

.

.

BOTH SIDES NOW

Rows and floes of angel hair. And ice cream castles in the air. And feather canyons everywhere. I've looked at clouds that way.

But now they only block the sun. They rain and snow on everyone. So many things I would have done. But clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now. From up and down, and still somehow. It's cloud illusions I recall. I really don't know clouds at all.

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels. The dizzy dancing way you feel. As every fairy tale comes real. I've looked at love that way.

But now it's just another show. You leave 'em laughing when you go, And if you care, don't let them know. Don't give yourself away,

I've looked at love from both sides now. From give and take, and still somehow. It's love's illusions I recall. I really don't know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud. To say "I love you" right out loud. Dreams and schemes and circus crowds. I've looked at life that way.

But now old friends are acting strange. They shake their heads, they say I've changed. Well something's lost, but something's gained, In living every day.

I've looked at life from both sides now. From win and lose and still somehow. It's life's illusions I recall. I really don't know life at all.

I've looked at life from both sides now. From up and down and still somehow. It's life's illusions I recall. I really don't know life at all.

Joni Mitchell, 1966