Nancy Levington Slotin

Nancy Slotin, 95, died comfortably at her Savannah home on Wednesday October 15. She was born in Savannah, the daughter of the late Isaac and Mina Levington; she got her lifelong love of education and books from her father, and her deep commitment to Hadassah from her mother, who was born in what is now Israel.

Nancy married Leon Slotin in 1948, the same year Israel became a state, and the two had a seventy-five-year marriage that was an inspiration for all who knew them. Leon and Nancy adored each other and were inseparable. During those 75 years, Nancy was the wise and calm presence within the larger Slotin family – always there with a kind and insightful word, a quiet smile, and a plate of cookies. She loved reading, walking, checking in daily with her sisters-in-law and cousins, doing the New York Times Crossword Puzzles (in ink) every week, and welcoming friends and family to their lively dinner tables, both in town and at Tybee.

She was a proud graduate of Savannah High, where she won all the awards in her graduating class except Most Athletic. After raising her two children, Nancy returned to college and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She then went on to become a dedicated teacher and a counselor in the Chatham County public middle and high schools. From the start, she made an indelible impression on her students. Her enthusiasm for learning was infectious, and she was widely admired for the unfailing respect she showed to others. “She made school a better place for everyone,” one of her principals observed.

In keeping with her love of books and education, Nancy and Leon were the original sponsors of the PJ Library in Savannah, which brings free, high- quality Jewish-themed books to Jewish families with young children each month. She was proud to be the president of the Savannah chapter of Hadassah, working alongside other women who shared her love and respect for the state of Israel.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Jane Slotin, her granddaughter Micaela Slotin, her daughter-in-law Bonnie Juengert, her son-in-law Jess Joseph, and four generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Leon; her beloved son Morris (Moe) Slotin; and her sister Helen Levington Spiers. The family wishes to thank those who have so lovingly supported Nancy in recent years: Hospice Savannah, especially Tricia Alderman; and Nancy’s dedicated caregivers Gloria Moss, Felicia George, Charlotte Lovett, Judy Hickox, Dianna Byrd, Jamel Fireall, and Lavita Cavitt.

The graveside funeral service will be conducted by Rabbi Avigdor Slatus on Friday at 2pm, October 17 at Bonaventure Cemetery. Shiva will be held at 6401 Habersham, Unit 3A, on Sunday, October 19 through Wednesday October 22 from 11-1 and 6:30-8.

Memorial donations may be made to the Savannah Jewish Federation; Hadassah of Savannah; the Bnai Brith Jacob Synagogue; the PJ Library of Savannah; the Morris Slotin Physical Therapy Scholarship at Georgia Southern, established in memory of her son; Hospice Savannah; or the charity of your choice.