Remembering My Dear Friend, Doris Levinson, B.E.M Poem by Deanna Samuels

Suddenly, it became a sad morning.
Was on Brightline Florida train going towards a happy family visit,
opened Facebook to check upon
whatever was going on in the world.
The first item shot out of the screen like a rocket and
hit me deeply, unexpectedly with such sad news.
A posting from Brighton UK,
an announcement that a prominent
person of the area had just passed away.
It was difficult to take in the name at first,
no, it can't be, surely not Doris.

Doris, Doris Levinson, a dear, dear friend,
a friend of some forty years.
Although I had moved away,
gone to Canada three decades before,
we had always remained friends,
made visits to her when occasionally in UK,
kept in touch, exchanged news.
She and mutual good friend Norina came to
Toronto to be with us for our daughter's wedding.
Spoke of each other's grandchildren as they grew up.

I had first made contact with Doris
following move to Brighton and Hove.
A small advert in the SJN took my eye,
a minute taker was required for meetings of
the local representative council.
Something I could do for the community.
The phone number brought me to Doris,
the founder and editor of SJN, a local community magazine.
Doris took me on and introduced me to the group.
For many years, until departing for Canada,
that circle of people was a good part of my life
and Doris and I became great friends.

Once in Canada, Doris told me of her close friends in Toronto.
Gave me the name and telephone number.
"Do get in touch with them, they are lovely people,
he was also my dear husband's best man".

Shortly afterwards, duly called the number.
"How nice to hear from you, and how is Doris? "
The pleasantries of a not too long telephone conversation ensued,
duly ending, advising they are shortly off to Florida for the winter.
"Do call in the Spring and we can set up a date to meet".

This all happened, a coffee evening made
and from there, a friendship grew.
My late husband and I became really good friends with the couple
and through them, were introduced to a
wonderful group of ex-pats which,
although, over the years, many of those have sadly gone,
the nucleus remaining is still good and strong.

I was so happy for Doris when recently, she was awarded the
B.E.M - British Empire Medal
- an award she so richly deserved
for the tremendously wonderful, unstinting service and good
she gave to her immediate and wider community.
She will be sorely missed by all.

I owe a great deal to Doris and her beautiful long-lasting friendship with me.
Her artistic flare was second to none and I am privileged to have several
of her artwork adorning the walls of my home,
now, an even stronger bond to remember her by.
Doris was one of a kind, the best, I will forever miss her
and her passing will leave a huge void in not being able to see
and be with Doris whenever visiting Brighton.


Rest in peace dear Doris.


Written on the Brightline Florida train - the morning of 4th January 2026.