BOCA RATON, FL – Barbara Michaels Levy passed away peacefully on December 23 at the age of 91.
She was born on April 1, 1932 in Norfolk, Va., the daughter of the late Eva and Erwin Michaels. She was preceded in death by Albert (Albie) L. Levy, Esq. her loving husband of 39 years, her devoted brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Emanuel Michaels, DDS and Ada R. Michaels, and her caring nephew, Harlan Levy.
Barbara graduated from Granby High School and, after college, she was a fixture in Michael’s, her family’s clothing store in downtown Norfolk. Her specialty was helping customers and as a buyer. She continued to support the store even when she lived in Clifton, N.J. with her husband.
She and Albie built a wonderful life filled with travel, laughter, and love. After Albie died in 2004, Barbara moved to Florida, where she enjoyed spending time with her wide circle of friends from Virginia to California and from New Jersey to Florida.
Barbara was a woman of substance and style. Part Dorothy Parker, part Elaine Stritch, part Diana Vreeland, Barbara had the sharpest of wits, penning poems to honor loved ones’ special occasions, belting classic show tunes, and appointing herself as everyone’s personal shopper, often all at the same time.
Through her unconditional love, support and advice, positive attitude, and wonderful sense of humor, she was a true character and a one-of-kind wife, sister, aunt, and friend. We love her and miss her already.
Barbara is survived by her nephew, Lawrence Michaels (Diana) of Atlanta, Ga., her nieces Rennata Levy of Calif., Hillary Michaels of Alexandria, Va., and Gayle Michaels of Alexandria, Va., and her grandnieces and grandnephew, Elizabeth Michaels of Atlanta, Ga., Rebecca Michaels of Atlanta, Ga., and Daniel Levy of San Diego, Calif.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Ada R. Michaels Book Fund at Congregation Beth El or the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.