Jo-Ellyn Levy Kupperman

Jo-Ellyn Levy Kupperman passed away early morning, May 7, 2020, at the age of 95. Born in Slidell and raised in Shreveport, she attended Newcomb College and settled permanently in New Orleans in 1949, at age 25, with the love of her life, Abe Kupperman. Together they raised two sons, Jeffrey and Stephen, while operating and expanding a furniture business in New Orleans. At age 35, she and Abe added three teenage girls to their busy family household -- Joy, Maureen, and Linda Levitan – whose parents, Abe’s uncle and aunt, had died, and to whom she and Abe remained close for the rest of their lives. Jo-Ellyn was always adventurous and daring: she learned how to fly at age 16, becoming a pilot before WWII at a time when few women flew, and much later in life, at age 75, thrilled in taking her grandson on a whitewater rafting trip. In fact, she and Abe enjoyed taking each of their grandchildren on exciting trips so they could enjoy new experiences. She worshipped her parents, Joseph and Helen Levy, and was devoted to her family, both immediate and extended. As an only child, she was raised with cousins and other family members, and considered them all more like brothers and sisters than cousins. Her family was the center of her universe, and she instilled that love of family in her children. Jo-Ellyn was quick-witted, clever, funny, kind, thoughtful and loving, and will be missed by all who survive her, including her sons Jeffrey L. Kupperman (Nancy) of Montecito, California and Stephen H. Kupperman (Mara) of New Orleans, as well as her grandchildren Shira Kupperman Boehler (Adam), Zachary Kupperman (Emily), Asher Kupperman (Elizabeth), Shane Kupperman (Allison), Eli Kupperman (Stephanie) and Jake Kupperman. She also is survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Ruth, Abe, Essie and Rachel Boehler, and Matthew, Lolo, Austin, Lev, Sylvie, Ellie, Arie and Audrey Kupperman. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph J. and Helen L. Levy, and by her husband of 66 years, Abraham B. Kupperman. Private graveside services were held at Hebrew Rest No. 3 on May 8 at noon, with Rabbi Edward P. Cohn officiating. Memorials to the Jewish Community Center, Touro Infirmary, or the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans preferred. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com