By Sandra Scheller
SAN DIEGO — A woman of valor who can she be? I believe her name is Fanny. Holocaust Survivor Fanny Krasner Lebovits, born October 27, 1922, passed away at 5 p.m. on September 7, 2023, less than a month short of age 101.
Fanny would tell you that she had 95 great years. She chose to leave behind a better world than the one she met. If there’s one thing we learned from her, it is to constantly be aware of goodness, kindness, and love, and if we remember these things, we will always remember Fanny.
Fanny was born in Liepaja, Latvia. She said that of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis, 79 were her family members. Fanny and her sister were in four camps five different times. What saved her was her love for people. She worked as a nurse in the camps, and it was a miracle that she worked alongside a doctor who also was imprisoned.
Fanny weighed less than 60 pounds in May 1945 when she was liberated.
Since then she dedicated her life to raising a beautiful family and to service via Hadassah and the World Jewish Congress. Her book (on Amazon) Memories, Miracles and Meaning recounts her inspirational and emotional story of loss, resilience, and survival. She described the joys and challenges she faced in rebuilding her life in South Africa and later in the United States. Combining historical context and observations on the human condition, Fanny shared her heartbreaking and triumphant memories, her belief in miracles, and the insights and meaning she drew from her experiences.
A member of the New Life Club, Fanny was honored as a Woman of Valor during last year’s Jewish Festival and was feted by Hadassah when she turned 100. She had served as a regional president of Hadassah.
Fanny is survived by three children, one stepson, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was laid to rest on Friday, Sept 8, at the Home of Peace Cemetery in San Diego. There will be a community memorial service on Sunday, Sept 10 at 3 p.m. at Congregation Beth El in La Jolla. Fanny leaves a legacy of love, hope, strength, and giving.
Fanny to me:
F: Find purpose and meaning in all that you do.
A: Always remember where you came from but do not be defined by the past.
N: Never forget Jewish roots
N: Now is the time to make a difference. Don’t wait until it is too late.
Y: Youth is not an age. Take care of yourself and think young.
On a personal note: I will miss Fanny dearly. She was an incredibly elegant woman with eyes wide open and a beautiful smile to match.
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Sandra Scheller is the curator of the Holocaust exhibit, featuring Survivors like Fanny Krasner Lebovits who built new lives in San Diego County. The exhibit is at the Rancho San Diego branch of the San Diego County Library.
Fanny’s star shines the brightest in our Universe**
DAL
I am so very sorry for the loss of such a beautiful woman. She used her hardship to prove that hardship can overcome the worst of humanity. It broke my heart to unfortunately also see someone using the bright sun as a way to advertise an organization I do not feel represents what this woman stood for. I certainly hope not.
I only new of Mrs. Krasner Lebovits from the kind and horrific stories her son Milton spoke to me about. Her suffering and life. From those accounts I new she had to be a great woman of strength and love for humanity. There is no doubt this dear women will be received by God into his heavenly and holy place for life eternal. My deepest condolences to her family and the community that embraced her love and peace for mankind. God bless her soul
Fanny was such a beautiful soul. She touched many lives. I will never forget hearing her speak on our mission to Israel through Jewish Federation. She will be remembered.
I didn’t even know Fanny; her life story touched me deeply. I am grateful for her life of service, love, and light shown in the darkness. This is such an encouragement for all of us in our journeys.
Fanny was an extraordinary woman whose resilience, determination, and zest for life will forever be remembered by all who knew her. Her commitment to Israel and to the Jewish people was strengthened by her unimaginable past. Despite how painful it was, she found it in her heart and soul to share her story, as a constant reminder to everyone that we can never forget. Her family, our community, and the world has lost a gem. May Fanny’s memory be a blessing.