Rita Levine Obituary

Rita Siegal Levine, 78, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Saturday July 19, 2025 at The Manor of Florence, South Carolina. She was born on February 24, 1947 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Arthur & Shirley Klemons Siegal. Along with her parents, Rita is reunited in passing with her husband, Lewis Elliot Levine; and brother, Gerald Jerome Siegal. Rita graduated from Marion High School in 1964 and went on to the University of South Carolina where she graduated with her Associate's Degree. Once she joined the workforce, Rita's passion for fashion, textiles and over all excitement to live life- brought Rita from New Jersey to the bright lights of New York City. While in New York, Rita worked for Simplicity Pattern Company, designing educational swatch books for High School Home Economic Classes. Rita relocated to Myrtle Beach where she worked for an attorney's office for a short time. She will be remembered for her larger than life personality. During her time in Myrtle Beach, Rita fell in love with the beach and the vibrant colors. From a young age, Rita's mother nurtured and encouraged her creativity. She was a gifted and talented artist with eye for beauty and detail. Through hard work and dedication, Rita worked diligently to open Dandelion, Ltd in Myrtle Beach where she succeeded in establishing a wonderful business using her unique designs with floral arrangements for every occasion- especially wedding venues as well as "interior plant-scaping." Rita proudly coined the term, "Uniquely Dandelion." In her free time, Rita served on numerous boards. Her favorite being with the Performing Arts Center and Beautification Program of Myrtle Beach. She was also the President of Art & Soul an Artisan Gallery and was Decoration Committee Chair of Kingston Plantation for many years. Her positive demeanor made it so she never met a stranger and was proudly known by her family as the "Mayor of Myrtle Beach." Rita was a faithful woman guided by her parents in her youth. She was an active member of her community including Temple Beth Israel in Florence and Temple Emanu-El in Myrtle Beach. She enjoyed time spent visiting with Rabbi Avi Perets. Above all else, Rita loved her family with her whole heart. She will be deeply missed but left to cherish her memory are her brother, Bruce Siegal and wife, Connie of Florida; sister in law, Barbara Siegal of New York; nieces and nephews, Adam Siegal (Robin), Chris Siegal (Pat), Courtney Davidson (Adam), Lisa Shrem (Barry), Dana Siegal and Max Siegal (Anna); beloved cat, Shirley; as well as several cousins; a large, loving, extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors. A Funeral Service for Rita will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday July 22, 2025 at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 1:00PM until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow the service with procession to Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery, 2408 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Though Rita surrounded herself with flowers and beauty all her life, the family respectfully requests you consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Rita's name may be made to Temple Emanu-El, 406 65th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, or to Marion County Animal Shelter, c/o Pam Wiggins, PO Box 452, Aynor, SC. Pam kindly will assist with purchasing supplies as necessary for the shelter. The family wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation the kindness, care and compassion shown to them. Special thank you to Pam Wiggins and Jill Heiden Lewis for their countless years of support and friendship-especially during her years of ill health. They also appreciate Carolyn Mates, Thomasson Waters and Joni Riemer Lackey for their devotion and friendship for many years. Carolyn and Rita enjoyed their Friday Date Nights at Cagneys- where they danced to their favorite beach music. Rita's family also thanks McLeod Hospice and The Manor of Florence for their professionalism, top-tier care and the love they've shown Rita and her family during this difficult time. To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.