With an eternally broken heart, I miss you every moment of every day in the four weeks that have passed since your funeral. I say Kaddish multiple times a day and know that I was blessed to have you as my mother for 61 years. Sadness and tears pervade my days and nights as it is impossible not to think of you even for a moment. Your influence is everywhere in my life and always will be. Love you forever and ever.

One word.....applesauce!    When ever we invited her to a holiday celebration at our house she brought her home made applesauce.   And it was always delicious 

Rivie, as we called her, was one of the 14 original Levenson first cousins. Seven still survive ranging in age from 67 to 97. Her mother, Dasha, was the sole sister of the seven Levenson brothers, and was in the top third of that tribe in age.

The Levensons were a tight nit group from childhood and throughout their lives. They communicated with each other on almost a daily basis. Dasha was the communications center for the family and the bridge between the Levensons and their Fishelman relatives.  After Dasha’s death, Rivie assumed that role. She enjoyed the being a family elder and particularly the keeper of the Yasef Choneh family history and flame.

Rivie was a young teenager when I was born. Rumor has it that she was my frequent baby sitter. Over the years, our primary interactions focused around the YCFC events including the infamous annual Seders. Often, the Levenson clan would also hold their own family Seder as well the day after.

As we grew older and raised our separate families, had children and grandchildren, communication gradually shifted from in-person to telephone and then e-mail. Our cousin Eugene became the center of an e-mail chain of jokes that continued a tradition started by our parents, by telephone, years ago. Rivie was an enthusiastic participant in these early “chat” rooms often providing many of the jokes with juicy content. 

Rivie was very smart and had a wonderful sense of humor. She had a very big heart and loved life to the fullest. I will sorely miss her sense of irony and hearty laughs.


This just popped up in my memories. Typical Reva, not completely sure how Facebook worked, but still trying to use it to keep in touch. She was always thoughtful, and loving. 

Cuz Rivie was always fun to be around; I particularly loved her sharp sense of humor.  I got to know her fairly well when she worked closely with my father when he was an officer of the YCFC for many years.  
Later on when she and Paul had their physical issues, she would call or email me for advice on physical rehabilitation; she knew I would not lead her astray:)
When I had a serious injury last year, she was one of the first people to call me and emailed several times a week to check up on me.  She also sent me a book of puzzles to keep me occupied while I was rehabbing in an extended care facility....she probably thought my brain would become soft:)
She was so caring and she did it honestly and without any prompting.....a truly loving person.
I will miss you cuz.....much love forever.....
Cuz Steve

A true gift to all those fortunate enough to be graced with Reva's presence.  From Brooklyn to Cranbury...  with a heavy heart, my condolences to Reva's family and friends

My love and sympathy goes out to Riva's family.  She was full of life, love and held a great verve for life. Riva always had a way to bring a smile to your face. I will never forget her and will remembermber our time at Cranberry Rehabilitation Center and Rossmore.

OBITUARY

Reva Karinsky

August 4, 1931 – May 13, 2020

Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels

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