Bernice Altshuler

Bernice (Bunny) Altshuler 85, of Tampa, Florida [formerly of West Newton, MA] died in Tampa on June 29, 2009.

She was the beloved wife of Justin since 1946 and the loving mother of Linda (David) and Abby. She was the cherished grandmother of Suzanne and Jonathan.

Bernice Frances Levowich was born on May 1, 1924 in Quincy, MA

She graduated from Cambridge Junior College, in Cambridge, MA

She was an active member of B'nai B'rith Women (now called Jewish Women International) for more than 50 years, and she sang in a BBW choral group that raised money for music student scholarships.

For decades she was a dedicated member and volunteer leader of Temple Shalom of West Newton, MA, chairing everything from the Thrift Shop to the Gift Shop to the Sisterhood. And she served as the elected President of the congregation from 1988 to 1991. In 1996 the Altshuler Family endowed the Temple Shalom Altshuler Scholar in Residence Program in her honor.

During her husband's military service she worked in Puerto Rico and Trinidad; in Trinidad she was secretary to the commanding officer. She also worked in Civil Service for the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Later, she was a capable first mate on many family boats, including for an extended voyage from Boston to Ft. Lauderdale on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Funeral service took place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 30, 2009 at Congregation Shaarai Zedek, 3303 West Swann Avenue, Tampa, with interment at Schaarai Zedek Cemetery, Tampa.