Lucille Levin

Lucille “Luci” Mitzi Levin passed away at the age of 82½ (she appreciated honesty) in Bethesda, Maryland. She was born on June 16, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent much of her life in Potomac, Maryland, where family and community were always at the center of her world.

Known as Luci to many and Nana to her grandchildren, she was sweet, caring, and deeply concerned for the well-being of others. Luci was a wonderful listener—present, thoughtful, and genuinely attentive—and she had a true gift for offering meaningful advice. She often said she should have gone back to school to become a licensed therapist. Those who knew her frequently left her presence feeling heard, comforted, and a little more at ease.

She loved hugs—especially long ones—and found her greatest joy in her grandchildren, Ethan, Lindsay, Natan, and Doren, embracing everything Nana-related with pride and delight.

Family mattered most to Luci. She was a devoted mother to Ronald, Douglas, and Andrew Abramson (spouse Stacy), a loving sister-in-law to Neil, and a devoted aunt to Amy and David. She took deep pride in the family she nurtured and steadfastly supported. Luci was formerly married to Laurence “Buzzy” Abramson and, in the early stages of his law firm with Harry Wolpoff, worked briefly as his secretary. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Maureen and Anina, and her niece Mindy, all of whom she loved dearly.

Luci attended high school in Washington, DC at Woodrow Wilson High School (now known as Jackson-Reed High School), where she was on student council, and then later graduated from and American University in 1965, in Washington, DC. with a degree in Journalism. She taught elementary school briefly, and worked as a nutrional counselor for Weight Watchers, Diet Center, and Jenny Craig, before finding her true calling as a full-time mother and, eventually, as a long-time fitness instructor. Luci taught both water and land aerobics, beginning with a passion for water aerobics before transitioning to land-based classes. She taught for a remarkable 30+ years at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington and Bally’s Total Fitness.

At the JCC, she became a beloved and familiar presence, known for her encouragement, warmth, and genuine care for those around her. She would stop to say hello and talk with just about anyone. And, her classes were always full, often with students being turned away for lack of space because of her enormous following. She also brought that same youthful energy and care to the community at Park Potomac Place in Potomac, MD.

She loved all things music (grooving to an amazing drumline at Thanksgiving this year); hearts; princesses; couch pillows; purple; Nana-themed items; party-hosting housewares; bags and organizing containers; and, Lucy and Snoopy from The Peanuts—simple joys that reflected her playful, affectionate spirit, and the delight she found in life’s small moments. She also delighted in her plentiful collection of hair clips and scrunchies.

Whether as Luci or Nana, she will be deeply missed by many, and truly remembered for her kindness, her love, and the way she made people feel truly cared for.

A private family service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at King David National Memorial Gardens. In addition, The Bender JCC of Greater Washington will host a Celebration of Her Life in Luci’s honor on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (light fare provided)

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.