A celebration of Maddie Levitt’s life will take place at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium this Friday at 11 a.m.

Levitt passed away at her home this morning at age 82. The community leader, fund-raiser and philanthropist was known for her support of many educational, human services and arts organizations locally and nationally and was recently honored with the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service.

Her numerous accomplishments include being the first woman to chair the annual campaign for United Way of Central Iowa in 1985; serving as the national chair for Drake University’s past two capital campaigns, becoming first woman in the United States to chair a coeducational university campaign that raised more than $190 million; and serving as chair of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation and on the boards of Drake University, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, Blank Park Zoo and many more.

Levitt is survived by her four children: Linda Toohey, Jeffrey Glazer, Suzie Glazer Burt and Ellen Ziegler; five grandchildren; and her brother, Richard Levitt.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Iles Funeral Homes – Dunn’s Chapel. The memorial service at Drake will be followed by a reception from noon to 2 p.m. Visit www.drake.edu for more information.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa in care of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, 1915 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50309.