Leona Lee Abrams, a local teacher and author, died Dec. 11 at the Abramson Center for Jewish Life in North Wales. The former Leona Zlotnik, she lived all her life in Philadelphia, mostly in the Northeast.

Abrams graduated from Kensington High School for Girls, and was active for most of her years with the Kensington Synagogue (Sharri Yitzhok) until its closing.

She began attending Temple University in her 40s, realizing a lifelong ambition to complete her B.A. in English. She graduated in 1976 with honors, and taught creative writing and drama for 15 years in institutions of higher learning. In her later years, she continued teaching at the Northeast Regional Library and the Klein JCC, also in Northeast Philadelphia.

Abrams studied playwriting at Theatre Center of Philadelphia with Albert Benzwie. She was the author of three plays, many short stories, poetry and a book, The Granny Cop.

She was also the editor for Faye Cukier's autobiography, "Fleeing the Swasti-ka."

Abrams was a member of Pen Women, Philadelphia Writers' Conference, Cul-tural Council Poetry Forum, Beth Emeth Congregation and Congregation Lubavitch, Lubavitcher Center in Northeast Philadelphia.

She is survived by three sons, Dr. Paul A. Bluestein, Bruce L. Bluestein and Dr. Larry S. Abrams; and a granddaughter. She was the wife of the late Martin Bluestein, David Abrams and Morton Lamm.

Source:http://www.jewishexponent.com/leona-lee-abrams,-local-teacher-and-author