June 10, 1959 – Oct. 29, 2019

Laurette Levy, beloved staff member and ETHS graduate, died on Oct. 29. Levy is survived by her husband and two daughters. 

In the words of Levy’s family: “Laurette Levy was always the first to think about others before thinking about herself, something that made her special and left an indelible impact on all those who had the chance to know her. Working for the Evanston school districts for over ten years, Laurette provided major support for thousands of children in the Evanston community. First as a nurse and later transitioning to the counseling department at ETHS, she was always there for her students. Even in her most recent role as the assistant to ETHS Principal, Dr. Marcus Campbell, she believed in putting students first.” 

Superintendent Eric Witherspooon released the following message to the school community on Oct. 30: “The Evanston Township High School community is deeply saddened that of one of our ETHS staff members, Laurette Levy, died on October 29, 2019. Ms. Levy joined the counseling office in 2013, and was secretary to the assistant superintendent and principal since 2018. Her husband, Rowyan Levy, is a member of the ETHS Safety Department.” Witherspoon offered the following closing to his message: “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Levy family. Condolence cards may be sent to ETHS, Attention: Principal’s Office, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.” 

Marcus Campbell, Assistant Superintendent and Principal, spoke about Levy’s impact on the principal’s office: “Mrs. Levy was one of the nicest, kindest and warmest people I have ever met. It was a joy to have her in my office because I knew she would be kind and respectful, no matter who called or came into the door. I miss her already and will continue to hold her husband and daughters close to my heart.”     

 Levy’s colleagues in the counseling office reflected on her lasting influence on them and students. 

“Mrs. Levy cared so much about everyone and we cared about her too. She was easy to get along with and easy to love.  One might find oneself caught up in a good long conversation with her in the middle of a work day whether it be about travel, home remodeling or how much she knew that her husband was willing to give her the world.  She was a joy to work with and treated each one of us like family members. She was fiercely dedicated to her work knowing that whatever she did, in the end, the students would benefit. She was ETHS spirited and always dressed accordingly during every spirit week. One thing about Laurette that was amazing is that she had a way of getting students to work in her office during their free periods!! She will be greatly missed by all,” counselor Alana Amaker said. 

“Mrs. Levy supported the counseling team for 5 years with genuine warmth, care, and positive demeanor.  You could count on her smile to brighten any day,” department chair of student services Aracely Canchola said. 

“Ms. Levy was a constant source of positive energy in the counseling office. Whether it was her smile, laugh or willingness to help she made the office feel warm and welcoming to students, families and staff,” counselor Marta Cuevas-Cintron said. 

“Ms. Levy was not only an amazing educational professional who supported students, families, and staff, she was also a mother to many staff and students, caring for all of us in much the same way she cared for her two daughters, husband, and entire family.  Her warm smile, caring manner, and authentic nature helped to make each person who she interacted with feel that they belonged at ETHS. No matter the circumstances, Ms. Levy’s hard work ethic was apparent in her support of staff, students and families. Quite simply, Ms. Levy embodied our ETHS anti-bullying theme that applies to all areas of our lives:  “Be Kind, Be Human, Be Both,” Associate Principal of Student Services Taya Kinzie said. 

“Mrs. Levy was a beautiful, loving and caring spirited woman with a heart of gold. She was always thinking of others, be it feeding the students that came to her hungry or giving one of her co-worker’s ginger tea to help them fight a cold. She was always smiling and going out of her way to make others smile as well. Her laugh was infectious and her love for her husband and daughters was evident in the way she talked about them. Mrs. Levy will be greatly missed by the students and staff she personally connected with and by her friends and family in the ETHS building who loved her dearly,” counseling office secretary Latrisha Woods said. 

Safety personnel and colleagues of Rowyan Levy wrote the following in remembrance of Laurette Levy:

‘“Gone from our Sight, but never from our hearts.” You were a beautiful person Inside and Outside. You will truly be missed! Love, Shirley Martin-Wright  – Unit #20; Sylvia Morgan  – Unit #31; Nicki Shephard – Unit #23;  Jennifer Corins – Unit #41.”

The Levy family welcomes stories about Levy to be shared at her memorial service and contributions to her service. Stories and inquiries on how to contribute to Levy’s service can be sent to [email protected].  A GoFundMe for Levy’s service can be accessed here.