Skip to content
  • 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
  • 860.233.2675
  • 860-233-2680
  • Email Us
  • History
  • Our Family
  • Services
  • Pre-Planning
  • Funerals
  • Obituaries
  • Cemeteries
  • Selected Memorials
  • Contact
Menu
  • History
  • Our Family
  • Services
  • Pre-Planning
  • Funerals
  • Obituaries
  • Cemeteries
  • Selected Memorials
  • Contact

Barbara

(Reuben)

Levin

Obituary

Barbara Reuben Levin, 88, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Born to David and Sadye Reuben in Hartford, Connecticut, she attended Weaver and Hall High schools, earned a bachelors degree in international relations at Brown University, a masters degree in art at Wesleyan University, and studied at University of Hartford Art School. Barbara was physically and intellectually engaged, fun to talk to, generous, an active, caring listener, and a keen observer of people and the natural world. Her family meant the world to her; painting was her passion; daily four-mile walks to and from West Hartford Center centered her. Barbara leaves her most devoted husband of 67 years, Ira, and three daughters, Nancy of San Francisco, Jane and husband Robert Rifkin of Belmont, Massachusetts, Jacqueline of West Hartford, and son-in-law Jeffrey Renert. She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Levin Renert and her brother, Howard Reuben. She also leaves treasured grandchildren Sarah and Benjamin Renert, Leah Renert Beck and husband Scott Beck, and Emily, Sally, and Julia Rifkin. Barbara met Ira at his high school prom, and they married in 1953. The couple settled in West Hartford, where they raised their four daughters. Barbara and Ira remained devoted to each other through joyous and tragic times. They had a wonderful group of friends and traveled widely. Ira expressed his deep love for Barbara in recent years, tirelessly caring for her, emotionally and physically, as the quality of her life declined. As a young mother, Barbara pursued art instruction and found a mentor in Paul Zimmerman. An accomplished artist, she painted through direct observation and her fine sketches, mostly landscapes and other natural beauty. Barbara won juried prizes and awards throughout her career, and her work lives in individual, museum, and corporate collections. She was active in the Connecticut Watercolor Society, and in an artists’ critique group in Greater Hartford. Barbara’s home and personal style reflected her appreciation of contemporary art and design. Her aesthetic sensibilities are evident also in her children and grandchildren, who are talented designers, painters and photographers. Barbara was happiest on her idyllic back porch, where she read the New York Times and Hartford Courant daily. There, she spoke with Ira about matters of the day, and they made decisions as one. She loved speaking with her sons-in-law to learn more about their work and interests, and with her grandchildren to hear about their triumphs and struggles, and to talk about art, social issues, and politics. She joined the New Yorker readers group at the West Hartford Public Library, heroically reading the entire magazine, for the weekly cover-to-cover discussions. Barbara leaves a depth of grief in the hearts of those who loved her. She was a sensitive human being who leaves a beautiful legacy for her family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ira and Barbara Levin Fund at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117.

Funeral

Deceased On:

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Service Date:

Monday, November 23, 2020

Location:

Graveside
Emanuel Synaogue Cemetery

1361 Berlin Turnpike
Wethersfield, CT 06109

Contributions:

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ira and Barbara Levin Fund at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117.

Guest Book For

Barbara R. Levin

(Reuben)

Sign The Guest Book

  • Hidden
    MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Hidden

Loading...

From: bobsy Kaufman

From Bloomfield, CT

Posted On: December 8, 2020

My sincere condolences- My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fondly,
Bobsy

From: Morris Banks

From Wellington, FL

Posted On: November 23, 2020

Dear Ira,
I was terribly saddened to learn of Barbara's passing. You have been two of my favorite people. Barbara was a talented artist, but most importantly she brought a wonderful lively spirit to all of us who were lucky enough to spend time with her.
My sincerest condolences to you and your entire family

Moe Banks

From: Pam Giddon Freedman

From West Boynton, FL

Posted On: November 23, 2020

I was sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mother sounded wonderful even though I didn't know her. But I knew Susan and dear Jeffrey. Take care and be grateful for her rich life over Thanksgiving. I lost my Father on Thanksgiving eve and I feel gratitude every holiday! Pam Giddon Freedman

From: Edith and Marvin Catler

From Sarasota, FL

Posted On: November 23, 2020

Dear Ira: We are saddened to hear of your loss. We remember my college classmate's lovely smile and her good company and offer condolences to your entire family . Edie and Marv

From: Robert pearlman

From Boca Raton, Fla

Posted On: November 23, 2020

Ira: Nancy and I were saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. I always enjoyed having breakfast with the two of you at Panera’s ! Our sincerest condolences . Bob & Nancy Pearlman

From: Nancy Bacall

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: November 23, 2020

Dear Ira And Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Barbara. Your family has always held an important place in my heart and Barbara always greeted me with her smile and kindness, shining through.

May her memory be a blessing.

With sadness in my heart,

Nancy Bacall

From: Marshall Rulnick

From Bloomfield, CT

Posted On: November 23, 2020

Dear Ira, Sandy and I are saddened to hear that Barbara has passed. She was a wonderful person and a talented artist. We are proud to own a beautiful piece of art created by her.

From: Elsa Gassner

From Sedona, Az

Posted On: November 23, 2020

Dear Ira. We were so sorry to read the news of Barbara’s passing. This must be a very difficult time for you and we hope all of your happy memories will comfort you Sending our love and sympathy to you and your family. Fondly Elsa and Peter Gassner

From: Ricky Swaye

From Cromwell, CT

Posted On: November 23, 2020

My heart goes out to you Ira. So many years have gone by however I vividly remember Barbara’s beautiful smile, friendly and kind demeanor, and just being nice. I also remember your inspections and feedback after I cut your lawn!! I wish you and family peace and comfort.
My sympathies,
Ricky Swaye

Contact Us

  • 860.233.2675
  • 860-233-2680
  • Email Us
  • 640 Farmington Avenue
    Hartford, CT 06105

Recent Funerals & Obituaries

Loading...
Edith
(Bernstein)
Schatz
Obituary
Jean
(Patur)
Roberts
Obituary
Lawrence
Hurwit
Obituary
Barbara
(Weber)
Canter
Funeral & Obituary
Helene
(Stoltz)
Fabian
Funeral & Obituary
View Funerals
View Obituaries

Resources

  • Home
  • Links
  • Community Involvement
  • Social Services
  • Veterans
  • Yahrzeit Calendar
  • Prayers & Meditations
  • Mailing List
  • Map & Directions
Menu
  • Home
  • Links
  • Community Involvement
  • Social Services
  • Veterans
  • Yahrzeit Calendar
  • Prayers & Meditations
  • Mailing List
  • Map & Directions
© 2022 Weinstein Mortuary, Inc.