With deep affection and profound gratitude, we remember our beloved co-founder, Ilma Levine, who passed away on March 11, 2024, her 95th birthday.
Ilma’s passion was to foster wonder and curiosity in children while letting them take the lead in their own learning. This passion led to the creation of a place where families could come to have fun learning together. We can still hear her asking, “What do you think? Well, let’s try it.” She was never afraid to make space for children to get loud or messy while learning. Her voice resonates through the Sciencenter today as we continue her legacy.
The origin of the Sciencenter traces back to Ilma Levine and Debbie Levin, two volunteers who built a hands-on science program at Central Elementary School, later renamed Beverly J. Martin Elementary. Ilma and Debbie took over a small store room and outfitted it with interactive science kits creating a science discovery room. When they decided to bring hands-on science to the broader community in 1983, the children presented them with a paper grocery bag filled with almost $280 in coins and small bills they had collected as the first donation to launch the Sciencenter.
Ilma Levine, Charlie Trautmann, and Debbie Levin at the Sciencenter’s 25th-anniversary celebration.
“Ilma was the perfect volunteer and board member whom all directors dream of having. She was smart, organized, and did whatever needed doing–always in the background and with excellence.
Whenever someone would tell her, ‘You must be so proud of what you created at the Sciencenter,’ she would reply with her usual modesty, ‘Let’s just say that I’m pleased.’
The Sciencenter would very likely not exist today were it not for her tireless efforts and unwavering vision of introducing every child in our community, regardless of circumstances, to the joy of science.” – Charlie Trautmann, Director Emeritus, Sciencenter, (1990-2017).
Ilma’s philosophy is the foundation of the Sciencenter: it is a thread woven into the location, mission, and programs of the organization today. She leaves a legacy that will forever be remembered and cherished by us all. The Sciencenter is a special place, unlike any other science or children’s museum you may have visited before. And this is because of Ilma.
“Ilma was a friend and mentor to me and to many others. Her compassion, thoughtfulness, and humility were an example of how to live an inspiring life and have a profound impact. I offer my sincerest condolences to her family and her many friends. She will be missed.” – Michelle Kortenaar, Executive Director, Sciencenter
Ilma and Gil Levine
We pledge to continue to honor Ilma’s memory by carrying on her work and her vision of making science accessible to all and inspiring future generations to explore the wonders of the world around them.
For Ilma Levine’s obituary, please follow this link.
