Phyllis Levinson

Phyllis Levinson, beloved mother and violinist died at home in Newton on April 1. She was born in Syracuse, N.Y. in 1921 and moved to Newton 29 years ago to be with her daughters. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in violin performance and music education and did graduate studies in performance at the Eastman School of Music. She studied with violin masters Louis Krasner and Jacques Gordon and played first violin in the Syracuse Symphony. On moving to Newton, she joined the New Friends String Quartet and taught violin. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Dr. Bertram Levinson. She is survived by daughters Ellen of Harvard, Nan of Somerville, and Julie of Newton; sons-in-law Hal Korstvedt, Alan Lebowitz, and Al Weinstein; and grandchildren Daniel, Andrew and Caroline Korstvedt and Elena and Molly Weinstein. Donations may be made in her name to Project STEP at New England Conservatory (projectstep.org) or to a charity of one’s choice. Friends are invited to celebrate Phyllis’ life at her home in Newton Sat., April 7 and Sun., April 8, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.