Eugene Lebovitz Obituary (1924 - 2013) - Prairie Village, Kansas

Eugene Lebovitz, 88, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, January 12, 2013, at Village Shalom. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2013, at the Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost. Burial Mt. Carmel Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to Beth Shalom Synagogue, the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education or the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. He was born on April 5, 1924 in Beregszasz, Czechoslovakia to Adolf and Sarolta Lebovitz. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Kate, and four children: George (Aviva) Lebovitz, Allen (Susan) Lebovitz, Shari Baellow, Karen (David) Berger; nine grandchldren: Dr. Yaron (Tzippy) Lebovitz Sara Lebovitz, Aaron Lebovitz (Melinda Curley), Michael Lebovitz, Rachel (Shawn) Muller, Ben Baellow, Daniel, Dahlia and Rebecca Berger; and 8 great grandchildren. Eugene was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Dahlia Lebovitz. Eugene survived 1000 days in a labor camp, married his sweetheart in the Budapest ghetto, and came to the United States on July 20, 1946, via Italy where his son George was born. His career in the garment industry began as a piece worker in New York, but eventually moved his family to Kansas City where he served as head designer for Youthcraft, then Fashionbilt. He was truly a textile artist, creating banners, costumes, beautiful thread sculptures, Ark curtains, Torah covers, choir and liturgical robes, including one for the Chief Rabbi of Israel. He belonged to B’nai Brith Lodge 184, Beth Shalom Synagogue, the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union, and was honored by Israel Bonds. He judged many a fashion show at Stephens College. He often spoke about the Holocaust at schools, businesses, and faith communities. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Village Shalom and Kansas City Hospice, along with Dr. Donald Cohen.