Barbara Koret Levin

Barbara Koret Levin, 76, passed away on September 2, 2023 in Denver, Colorado after bravely fighting cancer for five months. Barb was born in New York City on January 12, 1947 to Leon and Lee Koret and grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y.

After graduating from Scarsdale High School, where she was remembered as being a kind, loyal friend to everyone, she earned a bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She and her former husband, Ron Levin, lived in New Jersey, Germany, California, and Boston before settling in Boulder, Colorado with their two sons.

In Boulder, Barb worked in Boulder Valley School District's bilingual education department and went on to earn her master's and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Barb rose to the role of School Principal for the majority of her career in Saint Vrain Valley School District, Jefferson County School District and Denver Jewish Day School (formerly Herzl Academy.)

At each of her schools, Barb was adored by students and parents for her fairness, humor, and ability to communicate sincerely and effectively in English or Spanish. Faculty members respected her for her creative problem solving and unique ability to be a friend as well as a supervisor. In addition to being a career educator, Barb's keen intellect helped her to excel at buying and selling residences to enjoy and rent. She is the only person on Earth who loved being a landlord.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Barb's priority was her family and friends. She was always smiling when skiing, biking or traveling with her life partner, Ed Hyatt, who she boldly introduced herself to at a Denver Art Museum event in 1999. That evening marked the beginning of their wonderful journey! With Denver as their home base, they pursued their passions for art, language, and culture by traveling the world together. For many years, they also served as volunteer Ambassadors at Copper Mountain Ski Resort and even when the need for oxygen make it difficult for Barb to ski, she found a way to assist skiers at the base and enjoy time at their mountain condo.

Barb also enjoyed sharing as much time as possible with her whole family at their home in Florida or wherever they could manage to gather. She would travel anywhere, anytime to be able to spend even a day with one of her "boys" and she was especially excited when a trip included time with her grandchildren. No one was better at arranging cheap flights, car shuttles, or accommodations for her family. She was the "queen" of Marriot points and coupons.

If there was laughing and happiness at a gathering of friends, Barb was always at the center. She was known for her devotion to friends and regularly demonstrated her dedication as a caregiver, confidante, and traveling companion. Her warmth, smile, and contagious laugh brought positivity to even the most challenging situation and her courage as she faced serious illness was a testament to her faith in God.

People often verbalize the commitment to "live life to the fullest" but Barb actually modeled those words, even when it was becoming more difficult. Her energy was boundless and she was affectionately known as the "Energizer Bunny" because she never slowed down. Barb went tirelessly from one adventure to another in order to continue growing and learning both personally and professionally. Who else would run the electric cord for her C-Pap machine across a field and into a tent so she could have a place to stay in rural Wyoming to view the most recent total eclipse?? Barb squeezed every joyful drop of Diet Coke out of life!

Barb is survived by her life partner Ed Hyatt, sons Ken Levin (Maiko) of Oakland, CA and Jeremy Levin (Jessica) of Atlanta, GA, and her beloved grandchildren, Abby and Bode. She is also survived by her brother Sam Koret (Jan) of Cary, N.C., her nephews, Lawrence Koret (Gabrielle) and Marc Koret (Jessica) and more adoring friends, colleagues, and students than can be counted.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Barb Levin in a special way can make gifts in her name to either of these organizations:

The American Cancer Society at: donate.cancer.org

Denver Jewish Day School at: denverjds.org

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Memorial Park 3016 Kalmia in Boulder, CO with a 9:00 a.m. visitation preceding the service at Crist Mortuary 3395 Penrose Place in Boulder, Colorado. A reception will follow at a location to be announced.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Levin family.