Mildred Levitan Krieger

Mildred “Angie” Robbins Levitan Krieger, age 95 years, died at Covington, La. on Monday, July 29, 2019. Beloved wife of the late, I. Jay Krieger for 64 years. Mother of Monty Krieger and wife Nancy of Needham, MA and the late Terry Krieger. Also survived by two grandsons (and their wives): Jonathan Krieger (Sofia Colucci) and Joshua Krieger (Ilana); three great-grandsons: Joaquin, Alejandro and Ari; nieces and nephew (spouses): Lynette and Janice (Mark Wilson) Padwa, Ted Hirsh (Bebe), Frumeth Hirsh Polasky, Judy Walder and her extended family. Mrs. Krieger was a native of New Orleans, LA and resident until 2005 when, following Katrina, the Kriegers moved to Mandeville, LA. She was a graduate of McMain, Newcomb College (’44) and Tulane Univ. School of Law (JD,’62). She was the 50th woman to practice law in Greater New Orleans area. In 1962 she and her husband founded the law firm Krieger & Krieger. In addition to the law, she focused on her community, where she took, and received numerous awards for, leadership positions at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center, Willow Wood Home, Temple Sinai and My House, of which she was a founder along with Sister Jane Remson and others. Recognition for her service included the Lamed-Vov Nik Award (Willow Wood), the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award and the 10th anniversary Founder’s Award (My House).

Angie had a wide range of interests and relationships, which represented her ceaseless curiosity, infectious energy, and close bonds with her family and friends. She was an exercise and tennis enthusiast—for years a regular at the Hilton Riverside tennis club, where she enjoyed exercise classes and played doubles tennis alongside (and sometimes against) her beloved Jay. She continued to hit the court and weights well into her 90s. She was always eager to discuss recent movies, books, politics and current events (she read the Wall Street Journal daily), and was never shy to offer her opinions. Though cooking was not her forte, having spent many years growing up in the Jung Hotel, she never missed an occasion to make matzah ball soup and pecan pie for her grandsons and great-grandsons. She followed NFL football, especially her Saints and her grandchildren’s Patriots, with passion. She took great pleasure in a clever joke, her son’s puns or a story, and recounting memories with old friends. She embraced any opportunity to celebrate life and enjoyed planning special birthday and anniversary festivities when she and Jay gathered family and dear friends from the many different facets of their lives.

Always keen to learn new skills and build personal connections, she even developed new passions in her 9th and 10th decades. She was an active volunteer at the Madisonville Elementary School, where she cherished reading to and celebrating holidays with students. In recent years, she became an avid duplicate bridge and mahjong player—teaming up with her sister Libby Padwa (deceased), making new friends, and proudly climbing the rankings. With weekly phone calls with her niece Frumeth Hirsh Polasky (of Michigan), she engaged in religious studies. And never one to miss out on experiences, she learned to use computers and the iPhone to keep up regular email, text, and Facetime communication with loved ones across the country.

She recognized the importance of routinely reflecting on the many joys of life for which she was so thankful. She kept a gratitude journal in which she would write daily, counting her blessings, large and small. Many credit her longevity to her incredible appreciation, positivity, and resilience, along with her curiosity – all of which enabled her to stay young and vibrant.

Her family is grateful for the expert and loving care given by her medical professionals and devoted friends, particularly Dr. Guilbault, Dr. Nagy, Joan and Nat Brown, and Kelly Bourgeois.

Funeral Services will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue with Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn officiating. Visitation at the temple from 10:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in Dispersed of Judah Cemetery. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Jewish Children’s Regional Services (I. Jay Krieger Family Fund), the New Orleans Jewish Community Center (The Krieger Senior Citizen Transportation Fund) or the Madisonville Elementary School.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.