Lillian Zeidenstein Obituary

Zeidenstein, Lillian Elfman Daughter of the late Nathan and Tillie (Okun) Elfman, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at the age of 96. Born and raised in Chicago, Lillian and her late husband Morrie resided in West Rogers Park on Birchwood aka "The Resort" for 60 years. It is where they raised Jay and Mara until Cystic Fibrosis took their young lives. Lillian retired from the Illinois Department of Unemployment after many years. Then, she worked for Northwestern Medical School through her eighties. Also, she was known for her fundraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Lillian was an amazing person whose strength and magnetic personality was apparent when she threw herself a 95th birthday celebration and over 90 people celebrated with her. She made friends for life. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Morris; son, Jay (14); daughter, Mara (21); and brother, Joseph (Joe). She is survived by her sister, Shirley Elfman Schlinger of New York; her nieces, Dayle (Arthur), Bluma (Edward), Sari (Lorry); nephew, Ken (Kathy); many grandnephews and grandnieces; two great-grandnephews; and the best friends and neighbors a person could have. Some of Lillian's neighbors and co-workers became her life long friends and were there to comfort her until her last days. Lillian's out-of-town family is so thankful for these friends and all of "TEAM Lil." Donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the charity of your choice. Graveside services Monday 11:00 a.m. at Waldheim Jewish Cemetery, Des Plaines Ave. (Gate #60) South of Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL. Arrangements by Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-Mitzvah (630-648-9824) or www.MitzvahFunerals.com.