Obituary of Jacqueline Levine Borek
Jacqueline Lee Levine died Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Rochester, NY.
Jackie was born November 26, 1951 in Poughkeepsie, NY to Evelyn Goldstein and Alexander Levine. Predeceased by her parents and half-sister Ann Shirley Leker.
She is survived by her beloved husband, John W. Borek.
Jackie’s career choices allowed her to pursue her passions: cooking, travel, languages, education, and collecting brilliant, interesting friends. She was a sous chef at Chez Jean Pierre, the first French restaurant in Rochester, NY; an employee at the now infamous Village Green Bookstore, her husband’s bookstore; and for 35 years she thrived at the University of Rochester, first as an academic advisor and ultimately as Director of the Center of Study Abroad. In this last treasured job, she was able to meet people from, and travel to, countries all over the world. This led to lifelong friendships and cultural exchanges from India to Italy, Poland to Ghana, and every place in between.
In 2009, she received the UR Georgen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education; and in 2016 she was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute for the International Education of Students.
Jacqueline began her academic studies at Dutchess Community College, followed by the University of California, Berkley, and the University of Nice, France, where her love of French blossomed.
She was awarded an AS from Monroe Community College in 1974; a BS in Humanities from the UR in 1980; and a MA in French from the UR in 1984.
In addition to her husband of 44 years, Jackie is also survived by her sister Eileen (John) Daniel; brother Steven Levine; niece and nephew Diana (Joe) Seroski; Jordan Daniel; grandnieces and nephews Noa and Ezra Seroski; Amy, Andrew and Terri Leker; Godchildren Pamela Kim Adams, Julia Norton, Yoav Shafrir, and Margaret Storms; and by special students, she met through the UR and Study Abroad Programs: Sara Korol and Philip Brune and their children Celeste, Darian and Daphne; Jan & Sarah Pytalski; Melinda Fountain & Tom Cumbow and their children David and Margot; Kristina Wilson & Eric Richard and their daughter, Joan; and many wonderful friends in Rochester and around the world.
Special thanks to Theresa Loebach who cared for Jackie.
Contributions may be made in her name to any political parties/organizations that work to unseat right-wing elected officials.
Memorial service and shiva dates will be announced after it is safe for us to gather together again.
