Mystic – Betty Claudia Mackay Pendergraft Levin, 92, formerly of Gales Ferry Connecticut, passed away on January 21, 2023 at Mystic Healthcare while surrounded by loved ones. Claudia, as she was best known in the USA, was born in Perth Australia, 29 November 1930, the daughter of the late Donald Mackay & Josephine Townsend Mackay.
Claudia originally was married in 1947 to an American Naval officer, Wilson Pendergraft, and eventually moved to Southeastern CT area where they raised their 3 children. Over the course of her time in America she had married William R. Levin of Norwich-Gales Ferry where they resided for 40+ years.
During a portion of that time, she had managed both the New London and Groton based D&L ladies clothing stores. She also was an accomplished cook, house decorator, and artist, working in a number of mediums including oils, water colours, and fabrics. She was one of the founders of the Thames River Quilters Guild, which today can boast hundreds of members since the 1980’s.
Claudia, Betty, Auntie Bet, Mom, or Grammy as she was lovingly known was predeceased by her husband William R. Levin whom she had married in 1969. She is survived by her children, Janet Pendergraft McDonald (Frank) McDonald of Norwich, Donna Pendergraft Jorgensen (Niels) Jorgensen of North Stonington, and son Roger Pendergraft of Bozrah. Step children Fredric & Wendy Cohen Levin of Westport, Martha Rubenstein, Amy Levin, and Kim Liz Levin of San Francisco CA. Grandchildren, Donald & Jeanna Foster Congdon, Lucas & Jennifer Massey McDonald, Erin McDonald & fiancée Mike Anzel, and Alexander Jorgensen. Also Claudia leaves behind a number of beautiful great grandchildren & beautiful step grandchildren, as well as beloved cousins and nieces in Australia.
Claudia’s family is grateful to the many Mystic Healthcare & Hospice caregivers who cared for her. We would also like to acknowledge special thanks to the caring staff at Academy Point at Mystic senior living community.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 11:00am at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. Burial will follow at the Gales Ferry Cemetery, 14 Hurlbutt Road, Gales Ferry.