Dorothy Hirsch Obituary

Hirsch, Dorothy Lovely into her tenth decade, Dorothy Hirsch (nee Gilbert), born June 21, 1912, died May 5th at the age of 93, surrounded and loved by three generations of her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lou Hirsch with whom she'd spent more than 66 years raising their family, building a business, sharing friendships, and dancing to a variety of rhythms. Dorothy, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Gilbert, was the sister of the late Harold (Fay) Gilbert, Robert Gilbert and Gertude (Allen) Alpern, and sister-in-law to Joy Gilbert, and Mike and Thelma Gerrard, cousin, aunt and friend to many. Stylish and artistic throughout her life, Dorothy created beautiful paintings and was especially known for her original and dramatic ceramic masks. She made a lovely home for her family where she and Lou hosted many gatherings through the years. Living in Rogers Park, IL, until 1975, they moved to Leisure World in California. After Lou's death, Dorothy was welcomed back to Chicago, where her family brought her great comfort. Dorothy was active in cub-scouting, B'nai B'rith, City of Hope, and Hadassah, and for many years, sang with choral groups. Even in the last part of her life, she performed enthusiastically, along with her son, in shows at her retirement home, North Shore Hotel, Evanston. A love of music was very strong in her, as well as an appreciation of the beauty of flowers, especially lilacs. Dorothy is survived by her son, Roger (Carol) Hirsch, of Evanston, IL, her daughter, Ellin Beth (Don) Snow, of Snohomish, WA, her grandchildren Mona Simpson, Larry (Denise) Bressler, Annette (Ron) Leibovitz, Cyndi (Alan) Hochman, and David (Jaclyn) Hirsch. Her special dividends were 12 great-grandchildren: Haley, Daniel, Jonathan, Holden, Sam, Ryan, Eddie, Will, Laura, Patrick, Mandy and Lucas. Her niece, Lynne Gilbert was especially caring and attentive. Dorothy had caregivers toward the end of her life who enriched her last years, and to whom the family is immensely grateful. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, May 7th at 5:00 PM at the North Shore Hotel, 1611 Chicago AV, Evanston. Contributions in her memory may be sent to The City of Hope, Duarte, CA. If there is a heaven, we know that a special celebration (with an orchestra) is now taking place as Dorothy joins her beloved partner, Lou, on the dance floor.