Aileen Leben, cherished wife of Theodore Leben for 62 years, passed away July 30, 2015, in Texas. Services were held Aug. 21 in the sanctuary of Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, Texas.
Mrs. Leben was born June 20, 1922, in Mulvane, Kansas, to Ruby and Geoffrey Boucher. She was a proud descendent of Daniel Boone.
She grew up on a farm and survived the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
After graduating from a one-room schoolhouse and Augusta High School at age 16, she put herself through nursing school, where she met her husband Theodore Leben.
Mrs. Leben was Sisterhood president at Temple Emanuel in Wichita, president of Hadassah, temple house chair and Israel Bonds chair with her husband for many years.
Mr. Leben predeceased his wife.
Mrs. Leben taught her family the importance of Zionism and valuing family first and foremost, they said.
”She dedicated her life to righteous giving,” the family said.
“On her 93rd birthday, four generations came together on Shabbat to celebrate her milestone.
“She was truly the matriarch of the family and will be deeply missed,” her loved ones said.
Mrs. Leben is survived by her children Sue Shefman, Teena and Buddy Slatkin, Lecia and Jim Sud and David Leben; grandchildren Shana and Corby, Daucie, Leanna, Daniel and Alyson, Ari, Jonathan, Cassie, Robert, Adam, Jewel, Lara and Libby; great-grandchildren Aidan, Scarlett, Lyla, Lincoln, Darwin, Wolfie and Gabriel; and sister-in-law Louise Boucher.
Contributions may be made in Aileen’s memory to the building fund of Temple Emanuel in Wichita, Kan., or the American Heart Assn.
Copyright © 2015 by the Intermountain Jewish News
