Lennie Berkowitz, (Oct. 27, 1929-March 10, 2019). Born in Chicago, Lennie graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a graduate degree from the University of Kansas in special education. Lennie’s focus was the enrichment of other people’s lives through the arts, demonstrated by her time, energy and leadership in too many organizations to name.
Lennie was a founding member of Young Audience and continued her commitment for more than 40 years both locally and nationally; she was an original member of the Friends of Alvin Ailey (local and national); Contemporary Arts Society (chairman); Friends of Chamber Music (founder); chair of the UMKC Gallery of Art; chair of the Contemporary Arts Society (founder); chair of UMKC Gallery of Art; member of the Kansas City Ballet.
In addition to the arts, she was involved with Kansas City HeadStart and a member of the Kansas City Landmark Commission, appointed by Mayor Emanuel Cleaver. Lennie was a lifelong activist in the political life of Kansas City.
Later in life, she was involved with a national conference highlighting ceramists from all over the United States, inspiring her and Garth Clark to open the first gallery dedicated solely to ceramic arts in Kansas City. The gallery began at her home in 1985 and later the Cohen-Berkowitz Gallery opened in 1994. Her love of ceramics was infectious. Lennie and her husband Jerry leave a strong legacy in all aspects of the arts in our community.
Lennie was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Berkowitz; sons, Lee and John Berkowitz; daughter, Julie Berkowitz; and her sister, Elise Rosen. She is survived by her daughter, Gail Berkowitz-Gifford (Robin); grandchildren, Katie Robinson and Jake Gifford, and great-granddaughter, Regan Robinson; Debbie Berkowitz and her grandchildren, Sarah and Aaron; Carol Hadesman, Barney and Ursula Berkowitz; and many other family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the local Young Audience or the local Planned Parenthood. There will be a memorial service at the Nelson-Atkins Museum on May 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.