When we were 14 and 17 we decided to be together for the rest of our lives, today you kept this promise but I have to go on without you. This joint decision was made by us 57 years ago, there were many ups and few downs but the trip was wonderful. You left your parents at a young age to move with me to a new country – that was a brave move and a big sacrifice on your part. The journey through life was fun with you and along the way we built a Jewish home which only you can build and in which you were my queen. We had two beautiful successful children Ron and Nurit and now both have their own Jewish homes with Melitza your daughter in law and Jim your son in law. And best of all, you have five amazing grandchildren whom you adore and are proud of. You showed their pictures to anyone who is willing to look; you developed a special bond with your children and grandchildren. You were a good wife and a loyal partner to me for so many years, allowing me the time to develop myself while taking care of everything else. You were a wonderful devoted mother who raised two beautiful children, protecting them and shaping their unique personalities. You were the best Safta to all five grandchildren, I still remember when Hannah, our first one was born, you called it a magic, a miracle, a new experience. The same feeling repeated itself four more times with Jimmy, Veronica, Sebastian and Arya. You were a devoted wife to me and mother and grandmother to the entire family. You put the needs of others ahead of your own. You were the pillar of our family. Anyone could call you and consult with you. You would analyze with them the issue and help them solve the problem. You were like a rock that we all counted on, like a pillar that we all leaned on. Lately, you faced an unbelievable challenge. You fought like a hero with your teeth and nails. For four years you were winning, but the last few months it was too much for you. I am sorry for things I said and did not say, for things I did and did not do, but knowing you, I know you will forgive me. Both your father and mother are holocaust survivors. You never met any of your blood relatives even though you came from a very large family. Now perhaps you will meet your relatives. Rest peacefully. Your children are with both feet on the ground and independent. We will miss your advice, your smile, your warmth, but past experiences will still be in our memory. People felt comfortable opening up while talking with you. You gave me 57 wonderful years of fond memories and love for which I thank you with all my heart. Rest in peace my love until I see you again.

Thank you all for the emails and cards. Here are few of your email only comments:

So hard to accept the bad news and to imagine that our dear Debbie is not with us anymore. I knew that it is coming but now it is so final. T&U.

My deepest condolences, though Debbie's passing was not unexpected, it is not any less devastating. I will see you at the service. MR.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the memories of your time together help you through this difficult time. TH.

I'm very surprised and sadden by the passing away of Mrs. Debbie Lev. This is totally unexpected. I still remember how kind and energetic of her when we were in the dancing show of J. I cannot imagine how you can handle such a great loss. I want to express my condolence to you and your family. I will always remember Mrs. Debbie Lev. ZM.

O.H. and I are very sad to hear that Debbie had passed away. After I opened your email, for a while we thought about the time we met her about three months ago without doing anything. I looked through her book "Stories From The Past" and found a four-leaf clover O.H. put in. Debbie was a wonderful friend to us. Although we are not able to see her again, our hearts will always be with her. J&OH.

I feel so sorry to hear the news of Debbie's death. The scenes with you and Debbie of the year in Philadelphia rose before my eyes, I always remember Debbie's smile and the way you love each other, I have been keeping the photos that you held her hand. I was stunned by this news because Debbie always had a very energetic look. I can understand your sadness, but I hope you and your family could get out of it soon. My condolences. YT.

I wish to extend our family’s condolences on the death of dear Debbie. It is shocking to know that she is no longer with us. When I look at her picture on this email I like to cry. She looks so proud and beautiful, and so healthy, it seems like a bad dream. We knew about her condition but still we hoped for the best. We were so glad that she came to Israel seven month ago and participate with us in the wedding or our daughter. She was really a very brave person and a fighter. May she rest in peace. We will always remember her joy of life, her smile, her voice. I will miss her very much since she used to send me pictures of her grandchildren whom she loved and adored. We are with all of you in your grief and my G-D be with you and help to overcome the difficult time. We love you from far away and you will remain in our mind forever. Hope you will be comforted and not know more sorrow. Yours B&D.

I received word of the passing of your wife. Please accept my deepest condolences on both a personal level and on behalf of the college. FL

Please know we are all thinking of you. We are so sorry for your great loss. Cannot imagine what you are going through so we are sending you lots of prayers and love. Deb was a very special part of our lives also. She took the time to know all our kids and really cared about what they are interested in pursuing. We loved sharing holidays with her and always felt she was a part of our family, Ben as well. She will be sorely missed in our lives and we are truly sorry for her loss. She was a great inspiration to all of us. Thanks Nurit for being in our family and letting us have the chance to know and love your Mom. C&M

So sorry about the loss of your wife. My thoughts are with you. RR

Was so sad to see your news this morning. JR and I were of course aware this day was coming but still a shock she is gone. My sweet husband had tears in his eyes when I brought him coffee this morning. Please know we are praying for you and hope you are lifted up for the duty that lies ahead. Would have loved to have come to funeral to show our respect for her. We have both come to love your parents Nurit, and will miss her most of all at Thanksgiving (will always remember how much she loved my chicken livers ;) Whenever I use the lovely dish towels she brought all the way from Europe for my kitchen I think of her strength and love of life. Much love to you both, TJR

I am very sorry to hear about Debbie death. I knew she was very ill. I was talking with her lately and heard that she suffered a lot, At least she is resting now in peace and doesn’t suffer anymore. We were very good friends from childhood and I have a lot of good memories from her. Send my regards and deep sorrow to Benny. GF

I'm heart broken. My strong, clever, beautiful friend is gone. She was so proud of her amazing family. My love and deep understanding is with you. EZ

My deepest condolences for the loss of your spouse Debbie. I am praying that your faith will give you strength in these times. God bless you and your family. PF

My deepest sympathy for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time. HM

M. and I share in your grief at Debbie's passing. We are grateful that her ordeal is over but are grieving over our loss of such a lady. I regret that age problems on our part prevent us from being with you at this time, but please know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts and will remain there. JMA

I am extremely saddened that your wife Debbie has passed away. I feel very lucky to have met her and have always greatly enjoyed the warm conversations I had with her. I would have wished you and your family could have had more time with her. My condolences to you and all your family. Wishing you patience during this immensely difficult time. OC

I am so sorry beyond words for your loss. Although I've only met Debbie a few times, my whole family remembers her as a warm hearted lady and a loving mother and grandma. I am sure she left loved and beloved. May she rest in peace. WS

Nurit, I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I know we had not seen each other in many years and I did not know she was ill. My sincere sympathy to you, your family and father. MB

So sorry for your loss. We will miss her. AG

Nurit Ben and Family, We are real sorry about Debbie passing. IOM

I am sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family! RS

I am so sorry to hear about you wife. My thoughts are with you and your family at this tough time. VM My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. I wish I could be at the service along with my parents. Debbie is in our thoughts back here in Michigan. I fondly recall all the good times we spent together at your home in West Bloomfield. DS

M. informed me of the loss of your wife, Debbie, and I wanted to send along my sincerest condolences to both you and your family. I still remember Debbie from my shower and wedding and she was such a beautiful person—very kind and always happy! I know that this must be a very difficult time for you and your family and my thoughts are with you. You always spoke very highly of her and I know that she adored her grandchildren. I recall you telling me about your trips to New York to visit and how thrilled Debbie was to spend time with them. I will be thinking of you and your family and hope that you find comfort in this difficult time. My condolences, SO

I am very sorry for your loss of Debbie. Even though I only had chance to meet her once or twice, I know she is the best wife, mom and grandma. She is so graceful and friendly. I am sure she will be deeply missed. Thank you for inviting us to be at the service. I was there and it was so touching and beautiful. MW

Please, accept my sincere condolences. I was saddened hearing about your loss. I pray that may God Almighty be with you and your family during this difficult time. Stay strong and know that you are remembered in my thoughts and prayers. LO

My deepest condolences to you and your family for your tremendous loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. TA

Again, we are so sorry to hear about Safta. We hope you enjoy the picture attached to this email. We have the hard copy for you as well in the classroom. Thinking of you and the entire family during this difficult time. We were so privileged to meet her! With our deepest respects BKR

I am deeply saddened to hear about your wife's passing. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences for your loss. VB

I am sorry to hear the saddening news. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dearest wife. XZ

I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. SS

H. told me yesterday that sadly, Debbie passed away last week. I am so sorry to hear this. I didn't know her well but she seemed like a lovely person. I know you were married for a very long time and this must be extremely difficult for you. Please know my thoughts are with you. ER

I am very sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. I didn’t have the chance to know her as well as other department members, but I always remembered her as warm, friendly, and witty in my few interactions with her. May she rest in peace, and may you and your family be comforted by her memory and the love and support of those around you. With my sincerest condolences, HB

A. and I are saddened by your mother’s departure. Debbie and Ben as well as you were always part of our Passover Seder. We will miss your mother. Please send us a Mail address for you or for your father. We are planning to plant a cluster of trees in Israel as am memoriam to your mother. JL

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that we have lost another friend and member of our PENN Med group to ovarian cancer. I was so hopeful that some treatment would start working for her and turn everything around. She was a kind lady and will be missed. I am sharing her daughter's post here. CS D&R were in touch with us. Our deepest condolences for your loss. Hopefully family & friends at this time will be a comfort to you. Please let us know if you come to see your kids & grandkids in New York. IKD

I have been away visiting my grandchildren and just saw this terribly sad news. Thank you for letting me know. Debbie was such a vibrant, charming, loving woman – a real presence, who had a gift for connecting with everyone she met, including me. I can only imagine how sorrowful it is for both of you to lose this amazing life partner and devoted mother. Ben, I will be in touch by mail. Please know that P. and I hold you and all your family in our hearts and prayers. TPC

I just learned from F. that your wife and our friend Debbie has passed. This is very sad for us and we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to you, Ron and Nurit. We know the struggles involved with illnesses like this. I remember how vibrant and positive Debbie was when we all had dinner in downtown a couple of years ago. She was so happy and, at the same time, concerned about S. Our time goes back to 1973 when we first met and began working together at Temple and I met your family (and learned how long one had to wait for a telephone in Tel Aviv!). It will be 43 years ago this all. I so much have appreciated our longtime friendship and collaboration. Debbie was always supportive of you and always interested in our own welfare. Your friend and colleague, AS

Over $1000 was contributed to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance by members of the office of MIL USAF OSD OUSD INTEL.

The following individuals contributed to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance: WS, JB, DS, HB. I was so sorry to hear about Debbie passing away. I knew she was sick, we talked about it some time ago. I imagine how painful this must be for you, the children. She was a wonderful woman. We chatted so many times when we met at different conferences, a lot about our children and families. My warmest best wishes, AW

With great regret I just read the news about Debbie. You know my whole family had a great sympathy for her. We have spent many moments together in A. (I remember her reading books to D. and A. at home when they were only a few years), in your house (where we you welcomed us with love), in A., more recently in R. We all have deep memories of her. She was someone very special to us. I regret not having learned early to write at that time. Surely now you have the support of your family. A big hug from all of us. ATAD

Thank you all for the many post cards. Here are few handwritten excerpts from the card:

I am so sorry. Thank you for being in my life. I will never forget you. I hope you are in peace. W.

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear wife. I had the opportunity to meet here, in the faculty club, for a minute about two years ago; and even in that fleeting minute, I witnessed her sense of humor, charm and deep love for you. Your works at eh Service as indeed moving. MA

It’s difficult to know what to say just now…except that you are thought of in sympathy and friendship. DOD With Love and our deepest condolences. TOR

With Deepest Sympathy. Death is no more than the beginning of the journey to eternal life. JMA

We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss and would like to extend our warmest sympathies to you and your family during this time. We have send a contribution to the ODRF in Debbie’s name in memory of a truly special person. With deepest condolences from J.

A contribution to the American Technion Society in memory of Debbie Lev has been made. LRMBB

My you find comfort in the thought your loss is shared today by those who care and sympathize far more than words can say. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RT

Your sadness now is a reflection of your love for the one who is gone and a sure sign that you have loved well. May the warmth of family, friends and wonderful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. JBB

So sorry to hear about your loss and all the love filled memories that will now mean more than ever. With sympathy, JAG

A ring of three trees has been planted (in Israel) in memory of Debbie Lev, Beloved Wife, Mother & Grandmother. May this serve as a living tribute to her memory. AJL

May beautiful memories fill your heart and help ease our sorrow. PWH

Hope it helps you to know you will have those warm, loving memories forever. I am very sorry for your loss. CH

R. and I are so sorry for this great loss of your wife, Debbie. She will truly be missed. I am honored that I knew her and sorry I could not be there to show my support. But know that we are thinking of you and sending our love. May God bless you in this moment and always. LRN

A contribution to the American Technion Society in memory of Debbie Lev has been made by ZBN.

A contribution to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund has been made by T&UA.

I was so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. I have never met a nicer lady. She always took time to ask me about my family and always made me feel so welcome. Remember the good times and try to stay busy. JC

P and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you, to Ron and Nurit and their spouses, to the wonderful grandchildren, and to all your family. Debbie was such a vibrant, generous and open-hearted spirit – she will be missed by so many people including us. What was so vital about Debbie was her interest in everything and everyone. She asked questions whenever we met, and then really listened to the answers. She remembered little things about people and their livers. She drew you in with her warmth and charm. I was always so admiring of the bond you and Debbie have - as husband and wife, as friends and partners. You raised a beautiful family together. She supported your work and you supported hers, you explored the world together. You were always ready for new adventures. That wonderful bond and friendship is something you will always have with you. I wish I could find some words of comfort that would make the next months and years easier, Ben. But I know grieving and healing take their own slow time. Our sympathy and prayers are with you. T&PC

We were deeply saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. Her infectious smile and laugh will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know her. Be well my friend, J&BA Hope you will find comfort in all the good times and happiness you shared with Debbie. We just learned of Debbie’s passing. We are so very sorry for your loss. T&VM No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love or to prepare our hearts for good-by. My sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now. I hope your memories help soften your grief. BK It is with my deepest sympathy that I write with condolences for the loss of your beloved wife, Dorota. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Dorota’s strength as she courageously fought this battle was an inspiration and something that will stay with me always. I hope the memories of the wonderful life you shared together will give you comfort and strength. MM A contribution towards the Deborah F. Sager Memorial Fund in memory of beloved Wife, Mother & Grandmother Debbie Lev was made by Mr&Mrs AL