Danna Miller Levy
GLEN MILLS - Danna Miller Levy, a native of Wilmington, passed away on March 12, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Known for her high energy, open heart, and no-nonsense personality, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and community member.
Born to Richard Miller and Leonora Kalcheim in 1944, Danna attended P.S. duPont High School in the era of hoop skirts and bobby socks. As a teenager, she was involved in glee club, sororities, and the Elvis Presley fan club. She enjoyed traveling with her grandparents, watching the horse races at the Brandywine Raceway, and spending summers exploring the arts in Arden.
After high school, Danna ventured to the Midwest, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied modern dance and made lifelong friends. She graduated in 1966 and moved to Chicago, where she taught second grade and met her husband, Roger, on a blind date.
They married in 1967, and the couple had three daughters while in Chicago. In 1973, the family moved to Wilmington, where their fourth child, a son, was born in 1978.
Between planning family trips, caring for pets, packing lunches, and telling kids to be quiet in the backseat, Danna found time to work as a substitute teacher in numerous Delaware schools, and she also became involved in various community organizations. She served as President of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom, and she volunteered for many years with Paws for People, the Delaware Art Museum, the Kutz Home, the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, and the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens, among other civic organizations.
Always independent-minded, Danna was ahead of her time in many ways. In the 1960s, she backpacked through Europe with a friend, and in the late 1970s, she became a vegetarian and an enthusiast of aerobics and gardening. Many in North Wilmington will recall seeing her on her regular four-mile jogging route, resplendent in neon tights, which she continued to do well into her 60s.
What people might remember most about Danna was her overall zest for life – her curiosity, enthusiasm for new adventures, and big laugh. Danna hosted many parties and dinners at her home and enjoyed social gatherings. She visited over 25 countries and most U.S. states and loved to share her travel stories with friends. Wherever she went, she enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their lives. “Always ask questions,” was a favorite catchphrase, and she followed that advice – always wanting to learn and grow.
Danna lived a full life – centered around family, friends, and community. She will be missed, but her strong energy will live on.
Danna was predeceased by her husband, Roger, and her brother, Andy Miller; and she is survived by her four children, Tara Levy (Reid), Natalie Sopinsky ( Jordan), Erica Lunglhofer ( Jon), Brett Levy ( Julie) and ten grandchildren: Eitan, Weston, Sruli, Zev, Ariel, Anna Bracha, Tzachi, Charlotte, Ezra, and Otis. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, three nieces, and two nephews.
A memorial service will be 10:00 am, Friday, March 15, 2024 at Congregation Beth Shalom, 1801 Baynard Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19802. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Paws for People or the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware.
SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL CHAPEL