Margaret (Rita) Feldman passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the age of 96. She is predeceased by her husband Michael and her son-in-law Ilia Levi. She is survived by her daughters: Alla Levi and Irene (Sam) Narotsky; grandchildren: David (Meghan) Levi and Alex (Melissa) Levi, Josh (Michelle) Narotsky, Benjy (Allie) Narotsky and Andy (fiancée Nicole Maragus) Narotsky; great-grandchildren: Jacob and Eli Levi, Emily Johnson, Mallory Narotsky and Amelia Narotsky; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Margaret, who went by Rita, immigrated to America from Leningrad, USSR (now St. Petersburg, Russia) with her husband and two young daughters settling in Rochester through the support of Jewish Family Service. She lived through many horrific and also many delightful times in eastern Europe and America and remembered all of it vividly. Rita worked in the Catalog Department at the University of Rochester Rush Rhees Library for over 29 years, specializing in Slavic language materials and services. In 1993, she was one of two recipients of the University of Rochester Distinguished Service Award, an honor recognizing her exceptional contributions to the University community.
Rita was an amazing cook. Her five grandsons will forever savor the memory of her delicious meals and the special time they each spent with her. Sharp-minded and quick-witted, Rita was a life-long learner who even in her 90s connected with family around the world via Facebook and email. Upon learning about March Madness from a grandson, she diligently followed the games delighting in the order and symmetry of the brackets. One of her favorite sayings was “we are all guests in this world.” The world has lost a very special guest who brought love to everyone she touched.
Due to COVID restrictions, services will be held privately on Monday March 8th at 12 Noon but you can view the service below.
