Lenore Levy (nee Mitofsky)

September 23, 1937 – August 28, 2025

Beloved wife of the late Morton Levy; loving mother of Robert Levy, David (Eva) Levy and Jane (William) Goodman; daughter of the late Howard and Elsie Mitofsky; sister of the late Warren Mitofsky; devoted Bacha of Meredith, Victoria, Ben, Ethan, Benjamin, Naomi, Joel and Eli; great grandmother of Genevieve and Mateo.

A devoted wife and mother and lifelong educator, Lenore was born in the Bronx, and raised in Monticello, NY. She moved to Buffalo to study elementary education at Buffalo State Teachers College, where she met and married her beloved Mort. They shared 38 years of marriage, traveling the world together and raising their family in Amherst. Known for her bright smile and warm and friendly nature, Lenore entertained family, friends and visitors from around the globe in her home, treating them to everything from a home-cooked meal to hosting fabulous parties. Her home was a warm and welcoming place where everyone wanted to gather for a drink, a meal or a swim.

Lenore was passionate about education. Starting as a teacher at Smallwood elementary school, then chairman of the board at Corner House Nursery School. These experiences led to her directing Niagara Head Start. At age 50, Lenore began supervising student teachers at Buffalo State.  During her tenure, she launched the National Board Certification for teachers in Buffalo which ultimately led to her role as Coordinator of Student Teachers, a position she held for more than two decades, mentoring hundreds of aspiring educators.

As a volunteer, Lenore chaired the Academic Scholarship Committee for Combined Jewish Philanthropies. At the International Institute of Buffalo, she tutored refugees and helped their children navigate the daunting public school system. She traveled extensively and taught English all over the globe.

Lenore’s legacy and commitment to education can be best summarized by the scholarship she established for student teachers in 2006 at Buffalo State recognizing “exemplary performance in a high need/urban area.”

A Funeral Service will be held Sunday at 10 AM at Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY 14221.

Streaming of the service is available at shirshalombuffalo.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Lenore Levy Scholarship at Buffalo State University through https://alumni.buffalostate.edu/givenow.

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