Ruth Levin Sherman

Ruth Levin Sherman

On January 8, 2021, Ruth Levin Sherman of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away at the age of 89. She was the beloved Wife of the late Robert Sherman, devoted Mother of Ellen Jewell (Bret), the late Steven Sherman, and Sandy McElhaney (Dave); and cherished Nana of Melissa Sherman, Garret Jewell, Ian McElhaney (Audrey) and Logan McElhaney.

A native Washingtonian, she graduated from Anacostia High School in 1949 and married the love of her life in 1950. She and Robert were married for nearly 65 years until his passing in 2015. It gives her loved ones comfort to know that they are together again and dancing to their special song, My Foolish Heart.

Before Robert’s passing, they enjoyed going to Florida in the winter. They would drive I95-South or take the Auto Train and visit family and friends. They especially loved seeing son Steve, daughter Ellen and their families for Thanksgiving in Naples. When they weren’t in Florida for Thanksgiving, they loved being with Sandy and the extended McElhaney family and friends in Maryland.

She loved driving through the farmland and pristine beaches in the Northern Neck of Virginia as this area reminded her of the Southern Maryland farm owned by her beloved parents, George and Lee Levin. She often reminisced about the tobacco and corn that her Dad grew.

Ruth also loved music and Broadway musicals, including The King and I, Hello Dolly and My Fair Lady. Her absolute favorite was Hamilton, which she saw performed live at the Kennedy Center in 2018.

She was known for her impeccable sense of style, quick wit and sharp mind. She loved to laugh and chatter for hours with friends and family. Ruth completed the Washington Post crossword puzzle in pen on a daily basis. She loved flowers, especially gardenias and orchids. Her windowsill orchid garden was something to behold.

Her family gives sincere thanks to the incredible staff at Care Plus Home Health Care, especially Andrew and Roberta.

Although Ruth did not pass from COVID, the pandemic robbed her of the things she held most dear: attending live theater, cheering for the Washington Capitals, shopping for bargains at Nordstrom Rack, dining in restaurants and spending precious time with her grandchildren.

There will be a private burial at B’nai Israel in Oxon Hill, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, family is asking for donations to the Jewish Social Service Agency serving Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.