Rita Levinson Rubenstein

Rita Fay (Levinson) Rubenstein, 91, mother, "Gaga" (grandmother and great-grandmother), sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, after a prolonged illness. She was a shining example of "A Woman of Valor". Born in Clarksdale, MS on June 28, 1929 to Albert Jacob and Sophie Levinson, she grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. Upon graduating high school, Rita attended the University of Texas in Austin, where she met the love of her life, Marvin D. Rubenstein. They had a wonderful, loving, memorable 59 years of marriage. Rita was not only a role model for her extensive family, but for many in the Dallas community. It began with numerous organizational works, but especially loved her experiences as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader; later as a BBG advisor for her children. At 73-plus year member of Congregation Shearith Israel, she held many positions, including President of the Sisterhood. Other active memberships were: Hadassah, NCJW, Bnai Brith Women, Amit Women, Friends of Golden Acres, Texas Jewish Historical Society, Mizrachi, Friends of the Holocaust Center, Women's Division of Federation, Jewish Family Services, ZOA, Jewish National Fund and the State of Israel Bonds. She especially enjoyed her activities to the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, including the years that her husband, Marvin, served as past president. Being an avid and lifelong enthusiast of reading, one of her most proud accomplishments was being part of the amazing women who were the "50 Champions of Literacy" honorees, for LIFT (Literacy Instruction for Texas), teaching adults to read. She was truly passionate about improving the lives of those in need. Those women created a program that has impacted well over 100,000 people since 1961. Rita felt that reading unlocked the obstacles for learning and helped you pursue dreams. She truly was the consummate "Mentor." Rita was an outstanding homemaker and hostess for family and friends. Her meals (luncheons, brunches, cookouts, dinners, holidays and special occasion parties) were legendary. She even kept records, menus and lists of decorations of these events. She took the meaning of "detailed - oriented" to a new level. Rita took pride wearing well-coordinated clothing and accessories, and she encouraged others to do so as well. Her signature red hair was something no one ever forgot, a trait she inherited from her namesake grandmother, Fanny Reva! Other hobbies and interests included: playing bridge for over 60 years with her beloved Marvin as well as multiple long and short-term groups of friends; needlepoint and bargello projects, miniature canvas painting, calligraphy, gardening, playing piano. Her lifelong love of singing was evident with her family, but especially during her observances of religious services, right up to the last Friday afternoon Shabbat service on March 6, 2020 with her daughter. This was at the Legacy at Willow Bend, where she had resided for over twelve years and where she and Marvin were charter members. Rita also enjoyed memory classes at SMU and St. Mark's School. They were especially helpful to her and benefited her friends and family. Known for being thoughtful to a fault, it gave her much pleasure to send out personal notes, letters, cards and special gifts frequently to many, for every possible occasion and "just because." She possessed a great sense of humor and had an infectious laugh as well. She enjoyed a variety of entertainment, but comedy was a favorite. She also enjoyed serious drama, musicals, plays, symphony orchestra, the ballet and all forms of music and acting. Rita loved attending museum exhibits as well. All eleven dogs that she trained and loved throughout her adult life, especially dachshunds, were adored. These interests exhibit the fact that she was the true definition of a "Renaissance Woman." No matter what, her family always came first. She and her beloved Marvin truly felt that "every day is a gift", and that it was a rule to be observed. Her amazing life will be especially remembered for a blessing, every time her loved ones smell yellow roses, see butterflies, sea shells or the color purple. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Marvin "Papa" Rubenstein. Rita's life will continue to be remembered by her beloved children: Judith (Steve) Rosen, Barry (Judy) Rubenstein, and Pat (Lee) Cohen, all from Dallas; her treasured grandchildren: Rebecca Rosen (Jeff Weiss), D.C.; Jason (Becky) Rubenstein, McKinney; Adam (Gwen) Rubenstein, Austin; Brian Rubenstein, Los Angeles; Brad Cohen (girlfriend Emily), Scottsdale; and Jeremy Cohen, Las Vegas; also cherished great-grandchildren: Annabelle and Jackson Weiss; Ava and Anderson Rubenstein, and Brayden Rubenstein, all of whom called her "Gaga"; her sisters-in-law: JoAnn Rosenberg, Dallas, and Peggy Levinson, Memphis; especially nieces: Sharon Miller, Dallas, and Linda Cahan, Miami; plus numerous other relatives, local and nationwide. Rita Rubenstein was buried on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Shearith Israel Cemetery on Dolphin Rd. in Dallas, TX. Donations in her memory may be made to: Lymphoma/Leukemia Society of Dallas, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice.

Rita Levinson Rubenstein

June 28, 1929 - August 12, 2020