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Lillian Smith

November 10th, 2006

Lillian Smith (nee Hellman) of Milwaukee died Aug. 6 at the age of 88.

She was born in Milwaukee and graduated from Wisconsin State Teacher’s College, entering the teaching profession.

She was an avid volunteer, serving as head of volunteers at the Milwaukee Jewish Home. A member of Congregation Beth Israel and Congregation Sinai, she was the president of the Beth Israel Sisterhood and received a Woman of Valor Award from Beth Israel.

According to her family, Smith “contributed a lifetime of service and philanthropy to Milwaukee and the Jewish community,” which included funds for the Hy and Richard Smith JCC Family Park currently underway.

Her life was also filled with loss. Her husband Hy Smith and her son died in a plane crash in 1985, followed by her daughter’s death from cancer and the death of a grandson. In spite of this, “she maintained a vitality and sense of humor that brought delight to many,” her family said.

She is survived by her sister, Clara Moss, of Milwaukee, and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Aug. 9 at Congregation Beth Israel. Rabbi Jacob Herber officiated. Burial was in Mound Zion Cemetery.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Jewish National Fund, the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Cancer Society.