Vivian Ruth Bitensky

She was born on January 2, 1932 in New York, NY.

After obtaining degrees from Queens College and Teacher’s College, Vivian had a long career as an elementary school teacher, first in Oceanside, NY and then at the Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway, NY.

She was married to Harold Bitensky for 53 years, who preceded her in death.

In 2004 Vivian and Harold moved to Lexington, KY where she was an active member of Ohavay Zion Synagogue, the Lexington Havurah, Hadassah, and numerous book clubs. In 2019 she moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to her grandchildren.

Vivian was passionate about children and was a loving mother to her children and grandchildren. A brilliant mind who regularly did the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle, Vivian’s abundant appetite for life and infectious humor radiated to everyone she was around. She loved painting, reading, playing mah jongg, traveling, pizza and bagels, being involved in the Jewish community, and spending time with family.

She is survived by her daughter, Lysa Franklin; son, Larry Bitensky; daughter-in-law, Kitty Flewelling; granddaughter, Jessie Ogienko; grandson-in-law, Max Ogienko; granddaughter, Molly Rector; granddaughter, Sophia Scaduto; and great-granddaughter, Vivianna Ogienko. She is preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Kathy Nelsen.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on March 26, 2023 at the Hebrew Cemetery in Charlotte.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Danville, KY Happy Paws Spay/Neuter Clinic at https://www.happypawsregionalclinic.org/donate.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.