Jean LeVAUX Obituary
LeVAUX, Jean After 93 years of love, grace and chutzpah, Jean LeVaux finally ran out of energy. She died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of August 23, 2023.
She was born in Montreal on June 6, 1930 to Fannie Shore and Abraham Gold, joining siblings Joe and Ida. In her twenties, she married Bill Letovsky and birthed three sons: the late Howard, followed by Charles and Stanley. She also launched the first of many successful businesses: an employment agency, which she later sold for a profit. It showcased her knack for making connections that would serve her well throughout her career and life.
The U.S. can thank Jean's second husband, Howard LeVaux, for luring her to Cambridge. They married in their Memorial Drive apartment, had a son, Ari, and soon launched what was to become a real estate sales empire in their living room. The business morphed through a series of identities, including LeVaux Realty, De Wolfe-LeVaux Realty and Prudential-LeVaux Realty. She mentored many brokers and created a culture legendary for its openness and commitment to doing well by doing good.
An enthusiastic advocate of all things alternative, for much of her life she participated in a group of friends who shared those interests and maintained an unbroken tradition of weekly pot-luck dinners for decades.
Jean was an inspiration to everyone in her life, each for a seemingly different reason: as mentor, yenta, cheerleader, teacher, seamstress, healer, writer, editor, listener, grandma and ruthless Scrabble warlord. She will be remembered for her relentless impulse to improve the lives of those around her. Her willingness to offer unconditional support, be it tactical, emotional or financial, left deep and lasting impacts on many lives. She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her many friends around the world.
A Celebration of her Life will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Endicott Estate, 656 East Street, Dedham, MA 02026 (not to be confused with MIT's Endicott House, also in Dedham). All who knew her are welcome to join, in person or via Zoom. People wishing to share reminiscences or performances are welcome to, time permitting; preference will be given to those who contact sletovsky@aol.com ahead of time to reserve some time. The event will take place from 1:30-3:30PM ET; guests are welcome to arrive any time after 1:00. Zoom meeting details: Meeting ID: 832 1925 0136 Join by web: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83219250136 By phone: +1 (646) 931-3860, 83219250136#
Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 2 to Sep. 3, 2023.