Muriel Harriet Berkowitz

Muriel Davidman Berkowitz, aged 95 years, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of the morning on July 30th, 2024. Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Irwin Berkowitz, and her beloved sister, Estelle Forman.

Muriel was born on July 12, 1929. Her parents, Benjamin and Tobie raised their family first in Brooklyn and then in the Bronx where Muriel went to high school. While her father was reluctant to have his daughter attend college Muriel persisted and went to Long Island University where she graduated with her degree in early childhood education. She had a fulfilling career as a teacher first in Manhattan and then in Queens – being a teacher was a defining aspect of Muriel’s life.

College was more than a means to an end for Muriel While at LIU, she was the president of her sorority and built friendships there that would last a lifetime. In her chapter, she met Myra Berkowitz, who went from being her sorority sister, to sister-in-law. Myra introduced her brother, Irwin, to Muriel. The two were soulmates who she shared almost 50 years of marriage.

Muriel’s life was about family, so much so that Muriel and Irwin raised their children in a 2-family house that they shared with her brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their two daughters. Not only did the extended family live together, but on Sundays, the entire Berkowitz family of 25 would gather and have Chinese food together. Saturdays were spent with the Davidman family.

Muriel and Irwin both retired in their 60’s. They spent their retirement going on trips and traveling the world, as well as weekending in the Berkshires at their country home, and would take drives to Pittsfield where they would go to Tanglewood to see concerts. Sadly, their time together was cut short when Irwin developed Parkinson’s and passed away in 2001.

For the next 23 years, Muriel took on the role of family matriarch. She was not just present, but an integral part of the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. From sporting events, to plays, to bar and bat mitzvahs, visiting days, and graduations, you could count on Muriel creating an atmosphere of love and family.

Muriel leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and light. She enjoyed watching Law & Order and her beloved Mets, reading books and People magazine, & playing Sudoku and Mahjong. She never complained about anything, even when she was sick. She exuded positivity in everything she did and carried herself with dignity, confidence, and grace, till the very end.

Muriel is survived by her children Jess (Amelia), Neal (Beth), and Helaine (Dave), her grandchildren Rachel (Louis), Alyssa, Holly (Cameron), Talia, Jillian, Ben, and Spencer, Kayla (Ben) and Eliza, and her two great grandchildren, Emilia and Zachary. While her loved ones will always feel the loss, her focus on family will be a legacy that will live on for generations. May her memory be a blessing and may she rest in power and in peace.

A funeral service for Muriel will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Parkside Memorial Chapels, 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mount Hebron Cemetery, 130-04 Horace Harding Expy, New York, NY 11367.