Elizabeth Levin Indianapolis IN Obituary – Elizabeth Levin Death – Elizabeth Levin, Southport High School Orchestra Teacher Has Passed Away
Elizabeth Ann Levin (Betsy) Obituary
With profound sadness and deep admiration for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Elizabeth Ann Levin (Betsy) on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 71.
Betsy faced a courageous six-year battle with head and neck cancer, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength throughout her journey. She was surrounded by love and comfort in her final moments, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of music education and performance.
A Life Rooted in Music and Passion
Born July 28, 1953, in Jamaica, New York, Betsy was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. Charles M. Levin and Catherine Elizabeth (Zimmer) Levin. Music was an integral part of her upbringing, as her father, in addition to being a highly respected doctor, was also an accomplished musician.
Elizabeth Ann Levin (Betsy) Obituary
With profound sadness and deep admiration for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Elizabeth Ann Levin (Betsy) on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 71.
Betsy faced a courageous six-year battle with head and neck cancer, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength throughout her journey. She was surrounded by love and comfort in her final moments, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of music education and performance.
A Life Rooted in Music and Passion
Born July 28, 1953, in Jamaica, New York, Betsy was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. Charles M. Levin and Catherine Elizabeth (Zimmer) Levin. Music was an integral part of her upbringing, as her father, in addition to being a highly respected doctor, was also an accomplished musician.
Encouraged from a young age, Betsy began piano lessons at age seven and soon added the violin to her repertoire while in fourth grade. As a student in the Port Washington Public School System, she developed a deep love for music, playing in the family band during holidays and special gatherings. These early experiences ignited a passion that led her to a distinguished career in music education and performance.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Betsy left New York to attend the Hartt College of Music at the University of Hartford, where she pursued a degree in Music Education. She later moved to Indianapolis to continue her education at Butler University, earning a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance. This academic journey laid the foundation for a career filled with accomplishments, shaping the lives of countless students and musicians.
A series of performance opportunities took her to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she led a dynamic dual career—teaching orchestra by day and performing with major hotel orchestras by night.
She played for world-famous entertainers such as Liberace, Cher, and Dolly Parton. It was during this time that she became a proud member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), an affiliation that would remain important throughout her life.
A Dedicated Educator and Leader
After four years in Las Vegas, Betsy returned to Indiana, where she found her true calling as a teacher. She taught at Southport Middle School (SMS) and Southport High School (SHS) for 31 years, impacting thousands of students with her passion, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm for music.
For 22 years, she served as Music Department Chair at SHS, shaping the music program and mentoring young musicians who would go on to achieve great things.
Her exceptional dedication to music education earned her numerous awards, including:
SHS and Perry Township Teacher of the Year
IMEA Outstanding High School Music Educator
Kightlinger & Gray Outstanding Arts Educator Award
Beyond the classroom, Betsy made significant contributions to music education nationwide. She served as the Chairman of the All-State Orchestra for 15 years, contributed to Robert Klotman’s Guide to Teaching Strings, and played a key role in the MENC Orchestra Course of Study Task Force.
A Legacy of Performance
While teaching was her primary passion, Betsy was also a highly accomplished performer. She served as Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis for 21 years, a role she cherished. She also performed in various venues across the city, even impressing her students when she played with Led Zeppelin at Market Square Arena.
Her love for music extended beyond the stage and classroom. She was an active member of Mu Phi Epsilon, serving as President of the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter for 13 years. Even in retirement, Betsy continued to teach privately, instruct string techniques at Butler University, and serve as an Instrument Advisor for Paige’s Music.
A Life of Love and Connection
Betsy’s teaching career was uniquely special, as she had the privilege of teaching alongside her younger sister, Catherine Radomski. Many of her students remained under her guidance from sixth grade through their senior year, allowing her to form profound and lasting relationships.
Though she never had children of her own, she considered her students her “children”, remembering and celebrating their successes long after they had graduated.
One of the greatest honors of her career was the establishment of the SHS Orchestra Conductor’s Podium Endowment in her name, created by her students and their parents to ensure her legacy continues for future generations.
Cherished Family and Friends
Betsy is survived by:
Her sister: Catherine Radomski (John)
Her nephew: John Radomski (Haley)
Her niece: Jane Betsy Radomski (Isaac Pulford)
Great-nephew and great-niece: Charlie and Cate (Pulford)
Her half-sister: Eleanor Spector
Her nieces: Nancy Rosenwasser (Marc and family), Jane Froehlich (William and family)
Betsy was known not only as a dedicated teacher and musician but also as a loyal and selfless friend. She had an incredible sense of humor, a warm heart, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.
Her family and closest friends were privileged to experience her tireless playfulness, fierce love, and boundless generosity. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.
Honoring Betsy’s Life
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 14, at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, located at 535 Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday, March 13, from 3:00-7:00 PM at Singleton & St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, 7602 Madison Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227.
Following the services, Betsy will be laid to rest at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, New York.
A Lasting Legacy
Betsy Levin’s life was defined by passion, dedication, and love. Her influence on the world of music education will continue to resonate for years to come through the countless students she taught, the musicians she inspired, and the friends and family who cherished her.
Her memory will live on in every note played by her former students, every melody performed in her honor, and every life she touched with her wisdom and kindness.
Rest in peace, Betsy. You will be dearly missed, but your music and legacy will play on forever.
