GUILDERLAND — Anita J. Behn, a lifelong learner who worked for a decade as administrator of the state museum, died peacefully at her McKownville home on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. She was 85.
Born in Batavia, New York, she was the daughter of the late Abraham and Rose (née Barsuk) Davidovitz.

Mrs. Behn worked for the New York State Department of Education for more than 30 years, including 10 years as the administrator of The New York State Museum. She also worked as a columnist for the Times Union for more than 10 years.

“Anita was a lifelong learner, loved to read with her book club, and studied Yiddish for many years,” her family wrote in a tribute. “The most important thing to Anita was spending time with her family, from her children and grandchildren to her cousins and extended family and friends.”

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Anita J. Behn is survived by her children, Michael Behn, Phil (Leanne) Behn, and Sharon Behn; her sister, Phyllis (Robert) Berman; and her grandchildren, Maya Behn, Sara Behn, J.D. Clampitt, and Leslie Sutherlin.

Her parents died before her, as did her husband, Melvyn Behn, and her sister, Reva-Belle (Louis) Kramer.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or Congregation Agudat Achim.

Funeral services will be held graveside on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. at Agudat Achim Cemetery, 100 Mt. Stuart Rd. in Rotterdam. A meal of condolence will follow the burial at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union St. in Schenectady.

The family will be receiving guests at her home at 27 East Parkwood St. in Guilderland, on Thursday Aug. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Her funeral services will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking on this link: mAnita Behn Livestream of Funeral Services