Jackie Levitan
Profile
Born in Durban in 1962 to Carol and Peter Ditz, Jackie grew up in a Modern Orthodox home alongside her brother Michael. In 1980, she moved to Johannesburg to study at the Wits University and later obtained a degree in human resource management.
Sometime after completing her studies, Jackie got wind of the fact the Hudson’s Bay Company was recruiting workers from South Africa. In February 1988, she met a recruiter who offered a job. Jackie submitted an application to immigrate to Canada and received an interview one year later. In August 1989, she arrived in Canada.
Once in Canada, Jackie joined Simpsons at the Cedarbrae Mall. She stayed on as an employee after it amalgamated with the Bay. Today, she works as the executive secretary of the Alpha Omega Dental Society, which represents Jewish dental students and graduates.
Jackie became a Canadian citizen in 1993. Four years later, on July 20, 1997, she married Robert Daniel Levitan. Together, they have two children: a daughter (born in 1999) and a son (born in 2001).
Employment offer
Hudson’s Bay Company letter to Jackie containing an offer of employment, 12 Feb. 1988. Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre, accession 2015-11/1.
Click here to read document (new window will open)