This Timeline was created to help collect our memories--photos, stories or both--of the wonderful human who was Margaret Levine. Don't worry about getting exact dates right. This is just about sharing memories, so if you're not certain where something fits in, just make an educated guess.
dan levine Margaret and I met through a personals ad in the Bay Guardian. We got together at the Assay Office, a bar & restaurant on Gold Street near Jackson Square in San Francisco in February 1980, then wandered thru the sculpture garden plazas at Embarcadero Center. By the time we reached the Marini bronze horse sculpture, I was hooked for life. Anyone who has met Margaret can understand how I felt. After a whirlwind 2 week romance, she left to volunteer at a Cambodian Refugee camp on the Thailand-Cambodian Border.
Jed Levine Margaret volunteers in a Cambodian refugee camp along the border in Aranyaprathet, Thailand. She falls in love with a 2 year old orphan named Samnang and starts to make plans for adoption, but stops once a distant relative is found who is willing to take him.
dan levine After 2 months of daily letter writing, we decided the letters wouldn't suffice, and I flew to meet Margaret on her days off in Bangkok, Thailand, where we stayed together at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for 2 nights. We didn't need the romantic glamor of the hotel to fuel our passion, but it certainly didn't hurt. Then we motored down together on a hot, dusty, definitely not romantic, 4 hour journey on a WWII vintage bus to the refugee camp in Aranyaprathet.
dan levine When we got to Khao I Dang, it was around 110 degrees F, but felt like we were on Venus. But heatstroke gave way to the sights, smells and sounds of the camp. There was much death and suffering in and around the camps. It was made up almost exclusively of women and children, since most of the men were murdered by Pol Pot and didn't make it to Thailand, and many of the women and children were seriously ill or injured from their arduous journey from Cambodia. But there was also so much life, as the camps were filled with thousands of incredibly loving children playing in and out of the hospital tents and makeshift structures of the camp. Margaret was in her element here, working in the hospital tents, tending to the most critical patients and being a playmate and surrogate mother to their children at the same time. We returned to Bangkok a few days later, I proposed (sort of), she accepted (I think), and we were married 1 week after she returned to San Francisco. People always ask me how we could have decided to get married after spending less than 3 weeks together. The truth is we both knew within the first week - the rest of the time was just for fun, as prologue to the next 40 years.
Jed Levine Margaret married Dan and got to start her lifetime technicolor romance.
Samara Levine My mama with her mama. This was taken at my grandma's house in Tonawanda a few months before I (Samara) was born.
Jed Levine Margaret gives birth to her daughter, Samara.
Jed Levine Margaret gives birth to her son, Jed. I don't remember much, but aside from nearly being killed by my own sister, it was a peaceful time.
Sheila Adolph Blessed to have such a good friend. Our young children brought us together. We shared lively and enriching days at Rocky Mountain Parent Participation Nursery School. Even then Margaret was so open and willing to help others. I had never met anyone like her. She participated so fully in life, adding fun, spontaneity, and laughter, and at the same time, a deeply ethical groundedness. I am so grateful for all our personal and our family time together. Margaret, alias “Elvira” at one of the Halloween gatherings.
Sheila Adolph 1987-ish. Here we are serving cake at one of our little people’s early birthday parties.
Samara Levine Margaret went back to school to get her BSN at San Francisco State University, all while working and having two small kids. It was such a big accomplishment, her baby nephew, Jonathon, flew out for the graduation.
trudi thom Margaret is my sister-in-law. She embodied the Hebrew phrase, Tikkun Olam, which means to repair the world. Whenever I or anyone else was in need, she didn't hesitate to step forward. I can give you countless examples over our shared lives together, but to name just a few, these included coming down to Fresno to take care of me and baby Zach following a C-section, to helping prepare numerous meals and parties, and to arranging beautiful flowers and catering a dinner for my husband Bob's memorial . It seems there is a common theme to our memories of Margaret. Her steadfast commitment to serving others. I will miss knowing that she isn’t in my life.
I was being treated for ovarian cancer and was very sick and scared. Chemo was torture. Margaret came to my rural home in Fresno and gave me light. It meant so much. Thank you Margaret. Shine on.
I have many wonderful memories of Margaret. The one thing these memories have in common is that I smile anytime I think of Her (and Dan, Sam and Jed). Margaret provided love and laughter throughout my youth. I have memories of a trip to Disneyland, trips to Rancho Santa Margarita, playing in the pools at the hotels Irvine, playing in the pool and t...
Samara Levine Margaret celebrated her 40th birthday in style, with a stretch limo taking her to the Hilltop Cafe, surrounded by family.
I love her name! I met Margaret years ago at the dojo in San Francisco. Our first encounters were a little head butting as she was vocal, and so was I. However, over the years, she has popped in and out of our lives mostly through Sukyo Mahikari events, but later, just because we loved having her around. She was a force in our kids' lives as she li...
Margaret spoke out lovingly and powerfully for the rights of all students in the Novato schools.
Anne Matsuno I had kidney stones, twins & a daughter under 2. Margaret came with food, love, and light! There are so many memories but I think these are my favorites. I am eternally grateful for all she has taught me and our family throughout the years.
Jed Levine When I was in college, I was lucky to be able to study abroad in Thailand. I chose it because it was a great program for my field (international development studies) but also because of my parent's connection to the place. Toward the end of my first semester, my family came to visit me and we spent an incredible week in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It was the first time my parents had come back to Thailand since they left the refugee camp and got engaged in Bangkok. I have SO many wonderful memories of that trip, among them: Taking my parents on a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya to celebrate their anniversary; riding in the back of a truck up a winding road to Mae Salong; my mom getting sick on that truck and us desperately trying to keep her from throwing up; and all of us exploring the Wang Lang market in front of my apartment on a blistering, sweaty Bangkok afternoon. I will never forget it as long as I live.
Samara Levine When hurricane Katrina hit, Margaret only thought of going an helping. Her and a group of local nurses flew out to Louisiana and provided much needed medical support. She was there when hurricane Rita hit, helping those evacuated from hospitals receive medical.
Samara Levine Jed, Christine and I had the brilliant idea to host thanksgiving in our very tiny apartment with our very tiny oven. My mom was a huge help (mostly due to the fact that I didn’t know how to cook a turkey) so after the meal she took her rest like the queen she was.
What a blessing her legacy is smiling and service to others. I loved sharing service with Margaret beyond borders through Sukyo Mahikari. First at the San Francisco Center (approx 1996 - 2010), in WV for Yoko Farm Training, at regional HQ, visiting the DC Center, and in Japan.Once in conversation she commented about the Levine name being related to...
Jed Levine After spending her entire career as a nurse, my mom made me so proud when she decided to go back to school to get her doctorate so she could teach nursing. We flew into Minneapolis that weekend to celebrate her graduation and the start of something new. Even at the age of 56, she was still unafraid to dive into something new and scary. My mom was basically living proof that not only CAN you teach an old dog new tricks, but it can be a helluva lot more fun!
dan levine A visit to an orphanage in Namibia during our vacation to Capetown and Namibia in late 2011 gives way to a love affair with two dozen kids in about 10 minutes. Luckily, local immigration laws prevented us from smuggling a few kids back to the states. Three months later Margaret and her friend Margaret (lots of Margarets in our lives) set up a non-profit and fund a new building construction at the orphanage. Typical Margaret.
Bob Orlando We grew up in Western NY-It is very COLD there brrr Samara and Mom here trying to stay warm on Christmas day. Margaret always tried to make everyone feel good during the holidays visiting extended family for many years after Mom passed.
Ann Korchin This picture is of one of many dinners throughout the years to celebrate family special events and visits. Throughout the years, Margaret was always there to support me, my mom, and my children. She was there weekly visiting and bringing joy to my mom through singing and love during my mom's last years, and was at all of my children's events from dance recitals to birthday celebrations throughout the years. She was there to offer wisdom and support when needed, and was a woman who walked the talk. Her love and devotion to helping others in need, such as her work with a school in Africa and her work helping children stranded on the border showed her heart. As my mom always stated, "Margaret is a good woman," and that she was! Her being in this world, as well as while she was leaving this world is a model for all of us to follow! XOXO
Samara Levine We celebrated her 60th birthday in style by bringing my dad to Japan for the first time. It was an amazing trip, topped with the fact that we were surrounded by Yomiyuri Giants fans who would come up and hug us for wearing our SF Giants gear. Both teams won the world series that year, needless to say it was a birthday for the ages.
Bob Orlando Margaret loved quality time with her children. Her and Jed were very "sleepy" at Nanni's house. That is a roll of paper towels supporting Jed's head-Mom's idea I bet!!!
Sheila Adolph Beautiful Margaret, what a smile :)
Sheila Adolph It was always such a treat to meet and catch up on our lives. We met up one evening for dinner while I was in field school ... so special to meet up with her during that special time. She always made time for "us." She always made people feel special :-) ... just who she was.
Bob Orlando Margaret often came up with cool places to celebrate the holidays. This year we went to the beach in the Outer Banks. We rented a huge house and ate like kings and played games. She was the glue that kept us all together!
Samara Levine She was a huge warriors fan. Huge. Here she is with one of her favorite players, Adonal Foyle, sorry dad but they look like a great couple.
Bob Orlando Margaret engineered a holiday trip for the family to Yosemite-Absolutely beautiful! Here she gets some quality time with Ryan on the "lanai" with Lisa in the background.
Jed Levine My parents were always incredibly supportive, but I was totally floored by how much they supported my first musical. My mom came out to Chicago almost every weekend of our 4-week run and saw the show more times than anyone else should have. This video captures such an incredible moment. It captures my mom's brilliant humor, her unconditional support, her love of music and her incredible spirit. Also how many kids get to see their parents not just learn a song they wrote, but re-enact it on the street and have so much fun? I'm really a lucky guy. -Jed
Paul Motchanof This video makes me smile to my core. I had just walked into the house for a visit, Margaret was so excited to share with me what she had learned on the piano. Let it melt your heart and fill you with the incredible beingness and joy that Margaret embodied. Margaret, I LOVE YOU, MATTHEW LOVES YOU........XOXO
Andy Levine When Margaret and Dan got us onto the court before the Warriors game (they made us leave before the game started)! Basically, the theme emerging here is that I made sure to go get myself invited whenever Margaret and her crew were going to really cool things. And being a great Aunt, Margaret let me get away with it.
Zach Levine In late August, I spent a few weeks with Mugsy in San Rafael. I was there preparing my visa materials for a fieldwork trip to Rondônia, Brazil, that would last two years and change my life. I remember the period feeling liminal--unsure of what was to come, disenchanted by signs that the research project I had dreamed of was fading from view. Staying with Mugsy made the liminal feel normal. And she eased my anxiety about things not going to plan; her energy gave you the feeling that experience in itself was a gift, no matter if was perfectly according to plan. We had lots of coffee dates during the week at Equator, ate at this Latin fusion restaurant that she would later disavow as having lost its charm, and had fun in the company of each other and Gracie (Dan may have been staying there, too). I miss the sweet otherworldliness of those days and Mugsy's joy to be a shephard through it, though I feel in her wake that she's bringing that energy to the world in an all-encompassing way, reminding us that there is always more experience to be had, wherever we are.
Jed Levine I'll never forget this day as long as I live! Our family trekked out to the middle of Missouri to stay with Mark and Sue in their beautiful home in Columbia and watch the solar eclipse pass overhead. I know we all look like a bunch of cultists awaiting our leader to rapture us, but we were all just so in awe of and so humbled by the experience. No one more so than Margaret. It only lasted a few minutes, but watching the world fade to black and then back to light again from Mark and Sue's porch will forever be one of the great highlights of my life! -Jed
Marc Linit Margaret leads the Gazers, Grazers and Geeks in song during the 2017 eclipse. Sue and Marc
Margaret Miller Let me start by saying I'm THAT mother. Instead of finding a picture of Margaret (I swear I tried), I could only find one of my own two children as a means to illustrate my story. So my apologies in advance! The year was 2017 and Dan and Margaret had a few co-workers (and their families) from Dan's work over to their house for a late summer dinner al fresco. My husband and I came with our 2 and 4 year old in tow. Long before we even got there, Margaret was of course planning for what would help everyone enjoy the evening. She put Dan to work assembling a Lego table for our girls, and she had it set up with Legos and other toys on the back patio when we arrived. The girls loved it, so much so, that Margaret insisted we take it home with us at the end of the night. The girls still play Legos at that table to this day. What I've learned over time is that my Margaret story isn't unique. Margaret did kind and generous acts like this for so many people - and I love how she often roped Dan into whatever it was that she was up to (shout out to Ben for the excellent video of Dan demonstrating some back exercises for you!). RIP dear Margaret. We miss you!
Samara Levine After living in NYC for 11 years, it took my mom visiting to finally get me on the Roosevelt Island tram. Even though it is the slowest moving form of transportation, my mom was as exhilarated as if we were on a roller coaster.
Jon Demske Thanksgiving was so often a fun but small event with my parents and I. Then, for a handful of years, it became a multiday delicious, fun holiday fest combining the Levines and Demskes into one very satiated group full of shared smiles and good meals. This was after our Post-Thanksgiving Day lunch, a second round of tasty indulgence at a restaurant I worked at in lower Manhattan at the time. Aunt Margaret, always bringing people together.
Juliias Kay Tomiyama Ellis Where do I begin!!! Margaret was a huge light of inspiration, beauty, Wonderwoman, brilliance and so much more to me and many many people. She and I collaborated on so many service projects together over the course of 10 years. We offered service together at the Downtown Light Center, expos, expansion events, Monthly Ceremonies, cleaning services at Ceremonies and going-away parties for others. Here is but one drop in the bucket. Margaret and I dressed up as Sonny and Cher for the December Monthly Ceremony. And Samara wrote the lyrics to our song. It went from "I Got You Babe" to "I Got You Light" -- as we were both Light-givers. Was one of the funnest times in my life, and of course, it was with Margaret!
Andy Levine Margaret and co. for some strange reason invited me come crash with them in their amazing cabin at the Ahwahnee in Yosemite. And this is I think when I first learned of someone named Jerzy!
Andy Levine From that same trip to Yosemite. Dinner at the Ahwahnee. Dressed up and everything!
Bob Orlando Margaret always made effort to be present for our boys important milestones. This was Mason's graduation from college-A beautiful spread from a proud Auntie Margaret!!!
Marc Linit Margaret leading the traditional Rosh Hashana walk on Belle Harbor (NY) beach during the deluge of 2018. She will always be in our hearts during that walk. Sue and Marc
Jerzy Dydecki Our newly adopted kitten Djessika immediately settled on Margaret as her preferred person. Margaret spent the last year and a half doting and being doted on by this little girl.
Nicole Taniguchi Margaret was awarded the Beyond the Hilltop award at USF in 2019 for her extraordinary service. I feel so honored to have been able to learn from Margaret, share memories with her at USF, and be apart of her last cohort.
Samara Levine Less than 24 hours after a magical meeting between my mother, Margaret, and my soon to be mother-in-law, Malgorzata, Jerzy and I tied the knot. The power of the Margarets was truly awe inspiring and even with the very last minute planning, my mom made sure I had beautiful flowers to commemorate the occasion.
Jack Gardner Dan, Margaret, Teresa Liu and Margaret Miller goofing around at the annual One Treasure Island event in October, 2019... I miss Margaret's loving, happy, goofy and uplifting spirit SO much!!!
Jed Levine We were so lucky that we got to take one last family vacation just before Covid hit. Right around new years, we all spent a week on the Big Island in Hawaii, exploring Waipio Valley, trekking across craters in Volcanoes National Park and relaxing on a beautiful farm outside Hilo. It was an incredible trip--one that turned out to be Margaret's last--that we will treasure forever. Some of our fondest memories include traversing knee deep water in our Jeeps; cooking dinner together in the kitchen; singing songs together, accompanied by Selim on the ukulele; hiking down into and then across a massive volcanic caldera; watching a spectacular meteor shower; and swimming with sea turtles in Hilo.
I met Margaret when I joined the Ritter Center Board of Directors. I soon learned how smart, funny, and committed to the work of Ritter Center she was. She made all of us work better to fulfill our mission. She truly “gave light” to everyone she met. I’m grateful to have known her.
Selim Mtl I was invited by Jed and his family, whom I had just met for the first time in August 2019, to join them on a family vacation to Hawaii around New Years. We were a total of 15 people, 2/3 of whom I’d never met ... I was SO nervous. On the 3rd evening, when we were scattered and each absorbed in our own interests after dinner, Margaret gathered us in a circle in a corner of the living room to experience a great moment of sharing and love! It was then that I saw something invisible emanating from her. Her quiet strength, her assured gentleness, her power to bring people together and bind them together with love! This is when I knew I was in the right place and didn't want to be anywhere else. This moment will always remain engraved in my memory. Thank you Margaret for showing me so much love and teaching me so much in the short time I got to know you ❤️❤️❤️
Jon Demske Two more great memories from our recent trip to Hawaii together: Two lovely seeeeesters (ie sisters who love each other lots n like to be goofy together) and their two towering humorous husbands crossing paths on the jungle path to the beach. AND, a sneaky shot of Aunt Muggsy talking with fam in front of a volcano view. While others (me included) often just chat, she always leaned in and truly listened ♥️♥️♥️
Ben Kirschenbaum This is a portion of an instructional video my aunt Margaret and uncle Dan made for me teaching me exercises to help my back pain. At first glance, it appears that Dan is the star of the film (he did, no doubt, nail his performance with his signature calm and clear delivery and wonderful form). But if this film won an Oscar (it is technically eligible for next year’s ceremony) it would go to the lady behind the camera. Margaret filmed this in April 2020 when she already had cancer. That suggests two noteworthy facts about this video: 1) That I had the nerve to complain to my aunt about pretty minor lower back pain when she had cancer 2) That my aunt was not only not annoyed by my complaining but also took the time to put together a 2 minute movie to help me (Again, this is only a portion of the full video. You can message me directly for a copy of the whole thing. Price negotiable). Even until the end, Margaret never stopped being Margaret, and she never stopped being my aunt - she still spread my comedy videos to anyone she get could to watch them, she still sent me funny clips (many made by Jed) that she knew I’d enjoy, and she still helped take care of me and made sure I was laughing and stretching and not in pain. She could lift me up just through a conversation, a joke, or even a text. She was sneaky that way - it wasn’t always serious talks about the meaning of life (although she could do that too) but sometimes she’d make me feel better just driving around with me shooting the breeze, always laughing. She could be in front of the camera or behind it, but no matter what, she stole the show.
Rey Orlando-Meeks In so many ways, I dont know where to start.... My sisters and I called Margaret - Auntie Momgret; uncle Dan was Uncle Dad as they were and are so influential in our lives. My Auntie was such an inspiration - the way she accepted us, understood our needs, gave us guidance as needed and truly shaped the human I am today. I have no words to express how much she will be missed, the gratitude I have for her gift of showing me love and light throughout my lifetime, and for always reminding me that I am worthy and I (like she did) can bring love to whatever I do (I am forever working toward that!!). I am who I am because of my Auntie and she will always remain in my heart. Luv Luv Rey
Margaret helped my sister Marita Kubersky so much when her lymphoma flared up and she underwent treatment. She was such a stalwart supporter; everything from tips on navigating the medical system to encouragement to delicious meals on a regular basis! I will always remember her calm kindness and delightful smile. We’ll miss you, Margaret!!
Hajime Tomiyama Margaret was a powerful positive being in my life, escpecially in my Spritual Growth. When I was in the Youth Group and my Junior was having some problems at home, I had no one to turn to for help but Margaret and she was willing to provide a safe place for my Junior to stay. When I was a newbie with my new job as a Board Member and was experiencing trouble with having a voice to do my job well, she was the Chairman of the Board and gave me the boost that I needed. Plus the countless hours of fun, jokes, positive energy, and the incredible parties she shared with us have postively touched us on so many levels. Thank you Margaret for everything and for Being the Cool You. I'm so grateful for the impact you've given to me and to those around you. Haj
Sarah Sakamoto I met Margaret at the 19th Avenue Center when we first moved to this country, and I will never forget her smile and her kindness. Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Tuka Alsoufi There are very few people I consider to be true role models. I am growing up in a time where genuinely kind and giving people are hard to come by. I was so blessed to be able to meet one in my lifetime in the form of our “Mamet.” When I learned the news that Margaret’s soul had ascended to the astral realm, I felt lost. She had been such a strong and guiding presence in my life, she had already felt like an angel; someone whose existence transcended the goodwill and warmth of the ordinary person. I remember, very vividly, the first time I met her, when she came to our small apartment in downtown San Francisco and gave me light after my surgery. As a child, I wondered “Why is this strange lady in my home and why is she waving her hand in my face?” I came to realize that Margaret’s devotion to her spirituality was one of many traits that I, to this day, still very much admire. There is much to say about what Margaret gave to my family and I. But Margaret was so much more than what she could give us. Margaret was a bright light that everyone and everything would levitate to. She did not need to be actively helping you for you to feel comfortable and supported in her presence. I looked forward to seeing her every year and I regret every single opportunity I did not take to reach out to her and tell her how much I missed her in my life. I never thought I wouldn't be able to say goodbye. To Samara and Jed, I cannot even begin to imagine the indescribable pain you must feel right now. Losing a mother is difficult as it is. Losing a mother like Margaret must carry so much more weight with it. Even though her passing has brought me much heartache, I wish I could take on some of your pain because I felt she was a mother figure to me as well. I hope that I can meet you again in the future as testament to the amazing people Margaret introduced my family and I to. To Dan, You don’t need me or anyone else to tell you how lucky you were to be able to love and marry someone like Margaret. But she was also so, so lucky to have you. I admire the deep love and commitment you felt for each other. Losing Margaret must feel like losing a part of your own soul. I want to thank you for the kindness you have shown me and my family over the years. From letting me stay in your office for months at a time to going along with my childish “you’re old and bald” jokes, you were always so warm hearted and generous and you are truly someone that I am so grateful to know and love. I also hope to see you sometime in the future. To Mamet, Thank you. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better person, Woman, sister, and daughter. I will cherish every moment I had with you. I can’t believe I am a college student with so much more ahead of me and I will have to do it all without you. I miss you so much more then you will ever know. Love you forever, Tuka Alsoufi
My sister, Mauricia Kajita, called Margaret, "Mother Theresa". And thereafter, I nicknamed her, "Mama T". Needless to say, Margaret was a humanitarian. Upon her passing, I felt sad and devastated with our loss. But when I went to give her light at the mortuary, she looked peaceful and smiling! I felt joy in my heart and grateful that she will ...
Rey Orlando-Meeks Shiva Margaret syle
Jack Gardner On this first anniversary of her passing, we are reminded of the many reasons we respected, admired and loved Margaret - as partially represented by these photos, "The 3 Faces of Margaret" (with apologies to "Eve," whoever the heck SHE was...) 1) Serious (she thought seriously, but didn't take herself too seriously) 2) Fun and funny (see above) 3) Kind/Happy/Beautiful (self-explanatory!) We miss you, Margaret - thanks for making our lives so much brighter, more humane, and just darn fun while you were here... xoxo, Everyone at the John Stewart Company