Birth date: Dec 12, 1916 Death date: Sep 17, 2013
Jessie had an absolutely infectious smile and fun-loving joy of life.Jessie's smile revealed an inner satisfaction and a full awareness of others' humanity. Combined with a twinkle in her eyes, Jessie showed an understanding and compassion for others. Jessie radiated warmth and empathy and sincere love.We are blessed to have known Jessie and her family. May her love be carried forth. Our prayers extend to her family.Love, The Keiners
Jessie Etta Levin Bernstein 96, of Indianapolis and Boynton Beach, Florida passed away on September 17, 2013. She was born December 12, 1916 in Fargo, North Dakota, to Cantor Sam and Goldie Levin. She attended Manual High School, Butler and Michigan State Universities graduating with a degree in Food and Nutrition. She was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving during WWII in Europe as an officer in the Medical Corps. In honor of her service, Jessie received a bronze star cluster for her duty in the Italian Campaign. While in the army she met and married her late husband, David. In her later years she wrote her unpublished memoir titled: Sir, Iâ??m from Indiana: Tales of a Woman Officer in a Manâ??s Army. Jessie worked as a dietician at St. Vincent, Methodist, and Winona hospitals and the Indiana State Board of Health. She was a former member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Temple Sinai in Boynton Beach, Florida. She was active in various civic and cultural organizations in Indianapolis and Palm Beach, Florida and maintained life memberships in Womenâ??s Overseas Service League and Hadassah. During Jessie and Davidâ??s retirement they were active in the Elder Hostel program and traveled extensively throughout the world. Throughout her life it was important to Jessie to maintain close and loving relationships with all her nieces and nephews. She was most proud of her special bond with her niece, Susan Pekarsky Gary. Jessie is survived by her three sons, Howard (Nora), Seth (Marsha), and Joseph (Sharon); grandchildren, Erikka (Jesus), Michael (Daphna), Jana (Jeremy), Adina and Melissa; and great-grandchildren, Sam, Eve, Alexandra, and Theo. Interment will be held on Sunday, September 22nd at Ner Tamid, Eternal Light Memorial Park, Delray Beach, Florida, with a memorial tribute held on Sunday, October 13th from 2 â?? 4 pm, at Shanghi Lil Restaurant, 8505 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis. Jessieâ??s family wishes to give special thanks to the outstanding medical personnel at Indianapolis Veteranâ??s Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital and Hospice, and Hooverwood Indianapolis Jewish Home. Contributions in her memory can be made to Hooverwood, 7001 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at http://www.arnmortuary.com.
