Ilene Robin Berkowitz, 77, of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on Aug. 1.

Born on Aug. 10, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Ilene spent her childhood in Kansas before returning to Maryland. She earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Maryland and dedicated over 30 years to teaching elementary school students in Prince George’s County Public Schools, spending most of her career inspiring sixth graders at Hollywood Elementary School in College Park.

Ilene found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the people she loved. She delighted in finding the perfect gift, always paired with a thoughtful card written in her beautiful left-handed handwriting. She loved trips to Rehoboth Beach, enjoying Maryland crabs, attending local theater productions, celebrating birthdays with her retired teacher friends and ending a good meal with the perfect piece of chocolate or ice cream. At Riderwood, she embraced her daily routines, beginning each morning with Wordle and gathering with friends for Scrabble and Rummikub.

More than anything, Ilene will be remembered for making people feel seen. She genuinely wanted to know what was happening in your life and she truly listened. She celebrated your successes, cared about your struggles, remembered the little details and had a remarkable way of making everyone feel valued and loved. Her warmth, compassion, friendship and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Riderwood Benevolent Care Fund, honoring Ilene’s lifelong spirit of kindness and generosity. Services entrusted to Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home.