Jill Levy

Jill Margaret Levy, 74, died peacefully on Thursday, March 29th, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness that she endured with inspirational bravery and an indomitable spirit. Jill was the daughter of Montie (z"l) and Beryl Simon (z"l). She is survived by her adoring husband, Nat; daughter, Kim Pokroy; sons, David and Mike; son-in-law, Jerome Pokroy; daughters-in-law, Annabel Levy and Naomi Levy; 7 grandchildren (Ted and Miranda Levy; Zack & Samantha Pokroy; and Jake, Alex and Sarah Levy); and was preceded in death by her grandson, Daniel Pokroy (z"l). She is also survived by her siblings, nieces, nephews, extended families, and many close friends across the world. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 24th, 1943, Jill graduated from high school at age 16 whereafter her family immigrated to London, England, where she studied commercial art and also qualified at the Pitman School. Two years later, her mother took ill and her family returned to Johannesburg where she worked as the personal assistant to a senior partner in South Africa's largest law firm. She also volunteered in the office of world famous anti-apartheid activist Helen Suzman, assisting in one of her successful political campaigns. At age 20, she met the love of her life, Nat, a 27 year old attorney from Pretoria. They married on June 15, 1964, within 8 months of their first date, and lived in Pretoria. Jill fitted easily into the business, social and communal life of South Africa's capital city. She served as personal assistant to the general manager of a leading department store, became one of South Africa's foremost tupperware managers and saleswomen, and then co-owned an upscale children's clothing store known as "Jill's". Her volunteering activities included a leadership role in Pretoria's Jewish day school and actively helping Pretoria's Hebrew Order of David (HOD). Jill and Nat moved to Houston in October 1979 because they could no longer tolerate living under the apartheid system. They left behind their families and a wide variety of friends and acquaintances from all walks of life. They started their lives anew with their children aged 13, 12 and 8 at that time. Nat was 43 and Jill was 36. In Houston, life was exciting but challenging as the couple struggled at first to make ends meet. Jill started out working for minimum wage at a Tupperware distributorship, followed by HR work in 2 Galleria area stores, before becoming an assistant and bookkeeper in Nat's financial planning practice, which developed into a family business. Over the years, Jill had developed a passion for volunteering within the Jewish community and supporting Israel. She was an enthusiastic, successful volunteer for the Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign, and before long served on The Federation's Board of Trustees and its Executive Committee, when she also headed The Women's Philanthropic Division, serving as its chair for 2 years and also chairing the popular Collage event, as well as the Lion of Judah's Endowment Committee and its Campaign Division. In these capacities, she participated in missions to Ethiopia, Poland and Israel. For her ongoing commitment to and involvement with the Jewish community worldwide, Jill was honored with the national Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award in New York in 2012. Jill was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and received treatments for it until her passing. During the past 10 years, she became an active and successful fundraiser for cancer research; and since 1999, has also been a keen volunteer for and a Texas regional board member of the American Associates of Ben-Gurion University. Jill and Nat received the David Ben-Gurion Leadership Award at the 2010 Texas Region's annual major fundraising dinner. Above all, Jill will long be remembered for her unflagging energy and unwaivering loyalty and unconditional love shown towards her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, community and Israel. As she fought her disease, she inspired everyone who knew her with her incredible courage, her positive attitude at all times and her gracious behavior towards her caregivers and physicians. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Jill's honor, please consider: United Orthodox Synagogue Flood Fund(713-723-3850) The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston (713-729-7000) Ben-Gurion University (713-304-6713) MD Anderson's Ovarian Cancer Research (713-792-3450)

Jill Levy

April 24, 1943 - March 29, 2018