Bernice U. Levine (Bunny), age 97, died at home in Tarzana, CA, on August 20, 2026. She was cherished by her children Marty (Judy), Francie (Jay), and Joe; and her grandchildren Robin and Jeffrey. Born in Orange, N.J., Bunny held masters’ degrees from NYU and Columbia. She was a longtime school librarian and teacher in Teaneck, N.J., before taking an early retirement to become an actor. In both careers, she inspired affection and admiration in her students and colleagues. She acted in numerous TV and film roles and also cofounded, with her adored husband of 53 years, Bernard S. Levine (Bernie), the Actors Connection, in New York City. There, they supported numerous actors in advancing their careers. Bunny had a lifelong love of reading, which she shared as a school librarian, uplifting and encouraging her students. Services will be held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, N.J., on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. The family will be welcoming visitors after the funeral and during the shiva period at the home of Francie Abraham-Lubin. Hours for shiva visits will be 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. daily from Sunday, August 30, through Wednesday, September 2. For further information, please contact a family member. A Celebration of Life will be held in Los Angeles at the end of October, tentatively on October 31. Donations to the Entertainment Community Fund or the Lustgarten Foundation would be appreciated.

Sumner Braunstein passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy measured not just in years, but in decades of relentless, side-splitting laughter and uncompromising warmth. He was a devoted husband to Meryl, an extraordinary father to Gil, Philip, Don and Shari, a doting grandfather to Heather, Lauryn, Tyler, Haley, Shane, Patrick, Ashley, Alexis and Ethan, and a genuinely unforgettable presence to everyone lucky enough to cross his path. He was a lifelong, caring brother to his Sister Elke and his late brother, Howie, as they shared an unbreakable bond. To know Sumner was to know a master of quick wit and sharp humor. Whether delivering a dry one-liner with an understated smirk or spinning an elaborate story that left an entire room in tears of laughter, he possessed the rare gift of making life feel lighter. He believed that joy was best when shared, and he made it his lifelong mission to ensure no one spent too much time in his company without smiling. Sumner was an avid cruiser, traveled the world throughout his life and lived in Israel for eight years. He had a knack for languages and love for different cultures. He worked in family businesses of meat distribution sales. In later years, Sumner worked for the municipal government, Passaic Valley Water Commission, from which he retired. His favorite role of all may have been grandfather. In the eyes of his grandchildren, he was larger than life: a teller of ridiculous tales, a co-conspirator in mischievous fun, and a tireless cheerleader who celebrated every milestone, big or small. He was the favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Sumner lived generously, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Though his absence leaves a quiet space where his booming laugh used to be, his family and friends carry forward his memory the way he would have wanted—with fondness, gratitude, and a smile. A service celebrating Sumner’s life will be held with family and close friends. In lieu of sadness, his family asks that you share a great joke or a fond story in his honor. Services will be held at Jewish Memorial Chapel on Allwood Rd in Clifton, NJ. Shiva will be observed at 190 High St Passaic, NJ.