Marjorie J. Levin Rabin Brodkin, 97, passed from this world (as was her desire) soon after midnight on June 5 at Menorah Medical Center with her hands held by her daughters.
She was born on June 23, 1925, in Leavenworth, Kansas, moving to Kansas City when she married Morton E. Rabin, who predeceased her in 1965. She also was predeceased by her second husband, Samuel Brodkin, with whom she was proud to have traveled to all 50 states as well as Israel.
Marjorie was an active woman until just a few years ago. She and Morton both served as presidents of Kansas State B’nai B’rith Women and B’nai B’rith respectively in the same year, and they also were active on the Kansas City adult BBYO Committee. Math was her “thing,” and she won many Kansas State Math Competitions during her high school years. She was bookkeeper for her parents’ women’s ready-to-wear store, then for the successful businesses she and Morton created, and then prepared tax returns for 49 years. She regretted not being able to complete her 50th year, but her age had finally started to catch up with her.
During her life she enjoyed playing mahjong, completing crosswords and jumbles, coloring with pencils, and was known as “Teddy Bear Lady” at McDonald’s on 79th and State Line as she passed out bears to all the children every Sunday when she met friends for breakfast. While not a big TV watcher, she made exceptions for cheering on the KC Royals and playing along nightly with Wheel of Fortune.
After Morton’s passing, she attended Shabbat services every Friday night until the last few years. She had served as a para rabbinic at B’nai Jehudah for many many years, primarily doing bar and bat mitzvah service rehearsals for Cantor Silbersher. Marjorie hosted numerous holiday dinners at her home and enjoyed having the family together as well as inviting new synagogue members. She didn’t enjoy the grandkids moving around the place cards.
Marjorie received excellent care at Sunrise of Leawood where she lived since last September. Prior to that, she was cared for at home by loving caretakers from Synergy Home Care, Marshelle Oliver and Marriah Smith. The family thanks all of her caregivers.
She was predeceased by her parents, Morris and Geraldine (Boo) Levin. She is survived by daughters Sandy Rabin (Stacie Stoltz) and Janelle Flacks and her partner Lester Kushner; three grandchildren, Ben Flacks (Zohar), Mitch Flacks (Alison) and Mindy Flacks; and seven great-grandchildren, Eli, Adam, Talia, Cooper, Austin and Lyla Flacks, and Harper Kohnle. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Cheryl Silverman (Larry), their two children, Billy Silverman (Ann Karty) and Shelly Kellner (Phillip), and three additional great-grandchildren, Ariel Silverman (Sam Benson), Hannah and Joel Silverman. She also is survived by her best friend, Nadine Gordon.
Graveside services were held June 7. Shiva was held Wednesday and Thursday nights at the home of Janelle Flacks.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
